The Most Important Thing You Need to Stay Healthy.........That Nobody Talks About!

As Chiropractors, we strive to go beyond symptoms in order go help patients acheive optimal health.  This often means making lifestyle recommendations that will not only help patients heal, but also benefit all aspects of their health.  Some of these recommendations may seem obvious.   Things like eating well, getting adequate exercise and managing stress are common topics for countless books and talk shows.  However, one other crucial requirement for good health doesn't get nearly the same press: Sleep.  Our bodies rely on adequate sleep to grow, heal, replenish energy stores and most obviously, rest. Want more reasons to get a good night's sleep?  Take a look at this article posted on WebMD about the importance of sleep.

http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/10-results-sleep-loss?page=1

You can take a few simple steps to help you get the rest you need.  First, make sure to avoid eating within two hours of going to sleep.  If drinking, stick to water and small amounts.  Get quiet before bed. While many of us may use TV as a sleep aid, research has shown that TV or computer games keep our brain stimulated in ways that will prevent rest.  Get to bed at a decent hour......It's very difficult to get enough sleep if you go to bed at 1am when you have to wake up for work at 6am.  If you are prone to "thinking too much" before bed, keep a pen and pad handy.  Sometimes getting some of these thoughts, whether they be lists of things you need to do tomorrow or feelings of worry or concern, written on paper can free your mind to relax.  Other options you may want to try are herbal like valerian root, or behavioral, like hypnosis.  However you do it, getting good quality sleep is a key for good health.