Better Sleep Checklist for a Better Brain
By: Dwight Bain, LMHC, NCC When your brain is refreshed from a good night of sleep your mind and body perform better. Sadly, over 25 percent of Americans report trouble getting to sleep according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 10 percent of those experience insomnia. Research shows chronic sleep deprivation takes almost 16 years off your life while ruining your quality of life (QL) in the process. Continual sleeplessness leads to a higher risk for chronic illnesses like heart disease and stroke. If you want a better life it starts with better sleep. Here is a checklist of 26 factors to get you started. ___ Keep a sleep schedule of going to bed and waking up at the same time every day ___ Practice a bedtime routine to get your body and mind prepared to sleep ___ Take a break from work tasks an hour before bedtime to let your mind wind down ___ Avoid talking about stressful issues or conflict right before bedtime ___ Keep your bedro