Dr. Ravi Isola, a pulmonary critical care doctor at UCLA, and Dr. Seema Khosla, medical director at the North Dakota Center for Sleep, share crucial insights on recovering from a bad night's sleep. They debunk common recovery myths like sleeping in or relying on caffeine. Instead, they suggest practical strategies like improving sleep hygiene, managing stress, and creating a calming sleep environment. The duo also discusses the nuances of insomnia and how life circumstances can affect sleep quality, reassuring listeners that occasional sleeplessness is normal.
Establishing healthy morning habits like engaging with natural light and staying hydrated can significantly improve recovery from a poor night's sleep.
Practicing stress management techniques, such as gratitude and calming activities, helps create a positive sleep environment and promotes better sleep quality.
Deep dives
Understanding Bad Sleep
A bad night of sleep is often characterized by feelings of fatigue, irritability, and an overall lack of restfulness. Sleep experts define the guideline for adults as requiring seven to nine hours of sleep each night, with regular shortfalls linked to negative health outcomes such as high blood pressure and heart disease. However, individual differences exist, as some may function well on less sleep while others may struggle. Insomnia can manifest in several forms, including trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or conditions like sleep apnea, which affects a significant portion of the population.
Responding to Poor Sleep
Experiencing a bad night of sleep is normal and shouldn't be a cause for panic, as experts assert that occasional insomnia is a common aspect of adult life. When waking up during the night, individuals are advised not to force sleep, as this can create a negative association with their sleeping environment. Instead, engaging in calming activities in dim lighting is recommended, such as reading or listening to soothing sounds. Stress management techniques, like writing down worries and practicing gratitude, can also help shift one's mindset before attempting to sleep again.
Healthy Habits for Recovery
To recover from a poor night's sleep and promote better sleep in the future, it is essential to establish healthy habits immediately upon waking. Engaging with natural light and fresh air helps reset the body's internal clock, while hydration, nutritious eating, and gentle exercise can boost overall energy levels. Avoiding caffeine too late in the day and steering clear of alcohol and heavy meals before bedtime are also advisable to prevent further sleep disruption. Lastly, for those struggling with chronic sleep issues, maintaining good sleep hygiene and creating an optimal sleep environment are crucial steps to improving overall sleep quality.
If you've slept poorly, your instinct might be to sleep in or power through the day with extra cups of coffee. But those tactics may actually hurt your chances of getting back on track, say experts. Instead, set yourself up for success with these tips.