TOP 10 SLEEP HACKS

TOP 10 SLEEP HACKS

33 percent of Australian adults suffer from regular poor quality/quantity of sleep. In fact, recent surveys suggest this proportion is increasing; and between 36 and 45 percent now have inadequate sleep. 

Lack of quality sleep is associated with…

•        Diminished reaction times
•        Indifference and loss of empathy
•        Lowered sex drive
•        Lack of energy
•        Inability to stay focused
•        Reduced motivation
•        Compromised problem solving
•        Confusion and irritability
•        Increased inflammation
•        Increased risk of cancer 
•        Increased sugar cravings
•        Increased weight gain
•        Increased risk of diabetes

What is insufficient or inadequate sleep?

Anything less than 8 hours in adults, 9-10 hours in children and 8-10 hours in teenagers.

Sleep is when repair, regeneration, healing and memory formation take place. In fact, just 2 hours less sleep a night can decrease testosterone in men by that of aging 10 years. Less sleep can double the risk of cancer or cardiac arrhythmia and you are 500% more likely to suffer depression or anxiety disorder with consistently less quality sleep. 

Getting Better Quality Sleep:

Better sleep is multifactorial and comes as a result of good sleep planning or hygiene. Below we have listed the top tips for the best night’s sleep you’ve ever had!! 

1)     Get some early day sunshine:

Starting your day with natural light exposure helps reset your biological clock. It also balances your body’s melatonin and cortisol levels and serves as a natural source of vitamin D. In fact, research shows that vitamin D deficiency may be linked to sleep disorders. Try going for an early morning walk or leaving the office during your lunch hour to get your dose of sunshine. Vitamin D from sunshine helps to support and regulate immunity, reduce inflammation and support hormones. In winter if you struggle to get enough sun exposure, you can find a clinical dose of 1,000iu of Vitamin D in a daily serve of ALPHA SWITCH™.

2)     Work out in the morning

That rush of endorphins and adrenaline you feel after a solid workout is awesome — until it’s the reason you can’t sleep at night. Try shifting your workout schedule to the mornings. You’ll feel great having completed your exercise session bright and early, and it’ll be easier to unwind at night. Working out in the morning effectively decrease sleep complaints and treats symptoms of insomnia as shown by research. Part of this is due to the normalisation of the cortisol (stress hormone) curve. 

3)     Supplement with Magnesium & Ashwagandha 

More than 75% of Australian adults may suffer from magnesium deficiency. If you are active that may climb to 90%. While there are plenty of magnesium-rich foods you can eat naturally, adding a supplement can help jump-start your levels and help you sleep better. In fact, one study in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences found that magnesium supplements improved insomnia and sleep efficiency. In addition to magnesium, Ashwagandha can be incredibly helpful and calming. This Ayurvedic herb found in ADRENAL SWITCH™ has been used for centuries as an adaptogen. The Latin name of this herb (Withania somnifera) translates to “help sleep”. It is known as the KING of herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha helps regulate cortisol which means it indirectly helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Cortisol is one of the main culprits for keeping people from switching off. Not only will you have difficulty getting to sleep, but you may find you do not get the deep (Delta) sleep where restorative health takes place and you wake up refreshed.

The magnesium and standardized Ashwagandha found in ADRENAL SWITCH™ is highly bioavailable. 

4)     Maintain a regular sleep schedule & go to bed earlier

Keeping your circadian rhythm regular even on weekends can be hard to do but highly beneficial. As your body becomes used to getting into bed and waking up at the same hours, you’ll find it becomes easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally. Aim for an average of eight hours of quality sleep a night. You shouldn’t need an alarm clock to wake if you get to bed 8 hours before you need to wake. Midnight is called this because it is supposed to be the middle of the night. This is not the time you want to be hitting the sack. You should be aiming to be in bed by 9pm if you want to be up at 5-6am. Remember, your going to try and get some morning sun and exercise so getting to bed earlier will allow you to get up earlier. 

5)     Limit caffeine after 2 p.m.

Although many of us feel like we are building a tolerance to caffeine the sleep-disrupting effects can last for 6 – 8 hours. In fact, a review of two randomized control trials showed that eliminating caffeine for a whole day was able to improve sleep quality and lengthen sleep duration. Instead of turning to caffeine, try an alternative like VITALITY SWITCH instead. The uplifting herbs will nourish your energy system without the stimulation of your central nervous system (CNS). Also, the improved gut health benefits may help with Serotonin production which may boost your happiness and improve sleep at night.

6)     Reduce blue light

Limiting blue light which is emitted from LED & Plasma lighting and screens (TV’s, tablets, laptops, smartphones etc) after dark is an essential way to improve the release of melatonin in the brain. The fake light being emitted by these lights and devises can enhance the production of cortisol which may prevent you from switching off. If you find yourself regretting the past, worrying about the future or just unable to switch your brain off from thinking before bed you need to get some BLUE LIGHT BLOCKING GLASSES, change your LED lights to warm full spectrum lights and start to dim your lighting as the sun goes down. In addition, you can install apps or night shift on your phone and laptop. 

7)     Do not eat within 2 hours of bed

Carbs in the last meal of the night can be helpful. However, avoid eating sugary sweets, chocolate, simple carbs, juice or high-glycemic fruit just before bed, as it can spike blood sugar, boost your energy and you can wake up in the middle of the night feeling hungry — literally fuelling insomnia. Instead, try a little bit of protein with vegetables or a small number of complex carbohydrates, a protein with some good fats and make sure your last meal is at least 2 hours before bed. We find mixing ADRENAL SWITCH™ in coconut yoghurt as a dessert after dinner reduces cravings and improves sleep quality. 

8)     Turn off wifi and remove your phone from your bedroom

If you are struggling to get to sleep or suffer from disturbed sleep during the night, your WiFi may be to blame. Studies have shown that exposure to EMF radiation from WiFi networks can significantly affect sleep patterns, and long-term exposure could lead to further problems associated with lack of sleep, including hypertension and depression. Having your phone next to your bed even if not attached to wifi it will be continuously searching for 4G which may be just as disruptive to your sleep. Not to mention, you are more likely to reach for your phone if its nearby. 

9)     Do not have a TV in the bedroom 

This is problematic for several reasons…

1. It maybe a smart TV and needs Wifi (see above).
2. It will be emitting blue light (see #6).
3. It trains your brain to seek entertainment (dopamine) in the bedroom where relaxation (serotonin/melatonin) should be released.

10)  Make your room dark & quiet

Not all of us have the luxury of going to sleep when its dark. So be sure to install blackout curtains in your room or blinds that keep out residual light and potential noise. Because of city living becoming more popular light and noise are becoming increasingly to blame for the poor quality of sleep for many individuals. You can use light-blocking sleep masks like the MANTA SLEEP MASK. 

Implementing as many of these 10 tips will have a cumulative benefit and will see your quality of sleep and quality of life improve rather quickly. 

However, if you still struggle to get a good night sleep and wake up feeling tired you may wish to have a siesta (short mid-afternoon sleep). Try to keep this around 20 - 30 mins or you may cycle into a deep (delta) sleep which will be difficult to wake out of and your productivity may fall. 

You can see how important sleep is for the health of your body and your mind. Getting quality sleep can not be underestimated and this attitude of sleep when your dead needs to change. 

As everyone strives to be successful and productive in this world. Hustling long into the night and working later than your competitors is not the way to get ahead. In fact, some of the most successful individuals on the planet get to bed by 9pm but they are early to rise. 

Early Bird Gets The Worm!