US data shows that Americans are increasingly adding to their sleep debt. Billions are spent annually on over-the-counter sleep medications and mattresses and other sleep-inducing and enhancing products. Sleep studies are the norm. Disease factors like sleep apnea are an issue with many. However, even if physical issues are not at the heart of the problem, many people find sleep elusive. One issue is how wedded we have all become to our media devices. Having the phone handy and the television close by in the bedroom is often standard. However, these devices emit a subtle blue light which data shows interferes with sleep. Temperature is often an issue. If the room is too hot or cold, it can make comfort difficult and sleeping hard to do. Sleeping with partners, human or otherwise can take adjustments that make falling asleep challenging. What one eats and does before bed counts too. Too much sugar or alcohol can impede sleep. Doing a workout too close to the time one normally winds down can also imped the process of relaxing and then falling asleep.
Key Takeaways:
- The blue light which emitted from TV and phones blocks the release of the hormone that helps us sleep.
- Social media can excite the brain, making sleep more difficult.
- Stay away from sugar or alcohol before bedtime; instead choose milk or caffeine-free tea with chamomile.
“The industry of sleep medications, supplements, mattresses, and products far exceeds a billion dollars.”
