Sleep isn’t just refreshing it’s necessary, especially when you are a diabetic. When you sleep, you give your body the opportunity to rejuvenate itself. Although it’s running on a lower amount of energy, a lot is happening. Your body is burning fat, as fuel, and repairing tissue so you awake feeling ready to take on the day.
But when you don’t get enough sleep or don’t sleep restfully, it can throw off your whole day. In addition, the stress caused to your body by the lack of sleep can cause your body to release cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that helps you get through the fight-or-flight syndrome, this causes your blood sugar levels to rise. Stress can also cause your body to store excess fat in your abdomen, which is the absolute last place you want to see or feel that fat. And finally, when you’re stressed, you tend to eat more carbs, which feel more comforting to you, but in the end cause more damage than comfort.
Here’s a list of things that keep you awake and how you can combat them or change things around a bit so you can achieve long-lasting, restful sleep.
Watch what you eat and drink. Achieving restful sleep starts before you turn out the light and hit your pillow. Avoid ingesting caffeine before bed. Substances like coffee, tea, chocolate, and some medicines, both over-the-counter and prescribed, can hype you up instead of allowing you to wind down.
Stop smoking. It goes without saying that smoking is not good for anyone. Those cravings for nicotine don’t stop because you’re asleep and they could lead to your sleep being interrupted just to get up and have a smoke. Do yourself a huge favor, just quit. Your body and mind will thank you.
Listen to your feelings. Sometimes you need to check your feelings when you are unable to sleep. Depression can surface any time for anyone. Thoughts of hopelessness and worthlessness can surface and keep you lingering instead of sleeping. It’s difficult to even get to sleep when these feelings take over. And since depression is a risk factor for other problems, you should definitely seek professional help.
Medical conditions. Different medical conditions and situations can often interfere with sleep. Sleep apnea, where you experience breathing interruptions during the night, robs you of peaceful, restful sleep because your body is struggling to intake and distribute oxygen. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or more commonly known as heartburn can prevent you from even getting to sleep because of how uncomfortable you feel when you lie down. Other conditions include restless leg syndrome where you’re continuously moving and (for men) having an enlarged prostate which causes frequent urination, are a couple more conditions that interfere with sleep. You don’t have to just deal with it, consult your medical professional and explain to them what’s happening. You might be surprised at the medical advances that don’t always lead to taking more medication.
Stress and anxiety. Bringing the stress and anxiety of the day into the bedroom is a recipe for staying awake. In order to ensure your best sleep, clear your mind and do something that relaxes you a couple hours before bedtime. This way, by the time you get into bed, you’re actually ready to sleep.
Electronics. Facebook has 2 Billion members, of which about half are active, you may be one of them. The popularity of social media sites in general and the way in which they integrate into your life can be a huge reason you’re not getting enough sleep. Research has shown that the light emitted by your electronic devices can trick your brain into thinking that its daytime and alert-time. Plus, your posting and texting and engagement activity that usually happens just before bedtime helps to keep your brain going and going. The best way to counteract the effects of your screens is to ban electronics from your bedtime routine. Your mind and body will thank you.
Getting restful sleep can be accomplished, you just need to pay attention to a couple habits, conditions, and feelings and then make the needed adjustments.
However, if you’re not sure how to put strategies in place to help you get more restful sleep, you need to check out our WOW program. Because prevention is better than recovery. Preventing disease and chronic health conditions requires expert knowledge and support. Sevalife is here to help you every step of the way.
Are you ready to kickstart Your Preventative Wellness Journey? Get started with 7 days of real, actionable strategies that work to help you get healthier and feel great, for Free.
