As we work to make our bodies stronger with therapy, sleep is a component that significantly impacts our health as an important complement to therapy. The cells of our bodies increase their work to repair themselves, which is key for recovering from an injury or illness. Sleep is also critical for our brains, when our bodies process memories and organize information from our day. It’s no coincidence that we may feel more irritable or have difficulty concentrating when we don’t get a good night’s sleep.
Here are some tips to improve your sleep:
- Keep room as dark as possible. with cooler temperature preferred-Stick with consistent bedtime and wake up time
- Try to limit strenuous exercise right before bed-Wind down and try to limit screen time for 1-2 hrs before bed
- Talk to your doctor if you experience a lot of snoring, as it could be a sign of sleep apnea
- Insomnia has been linked with anxiety, consider discussing with your doctor if you have significant difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Brief naps are ok as long as they don’t impact your ability to fall asleep at night
By taking steps to improve your quality of sleep and reach the ideal amount of sleep each night for you, you can increase your body’s function to make the most of each day. Don’t underestimate the power of sleep to help speed up recovery, feel alert and engaged, and improve your mood throughout the day.
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