Our team at AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah understands the temptation that comes with summer—packing your days full of fun and staying up later. But it’s important for your health that you not sacrifice your sleep for a little extra fun. We have some tips to help you prioritize sleep and get back to feeling at your best. Summertime Sleep Tips for All One of the biggest issues with summer sleep is that our sleep schedule is inconsistent. When you’re going to bed and waking up at different times than usual, your body can get out of sync. Therefore, try really hard to go to bed at around the same time every single night and get up near the same time each morning. Doing this establishes a rhythm for your body, which can help you fall asleep and stay asleep more easily. You’ll also want to sure your bedroom is a welcoming environment for sleep. Is the color of paint on your walls loud and crazy or peaceful and calming? Does a lot of light shine in your bedroom, even when the blinds are closed? Is your room filled with electronics? Your bedroom should be calming and cool, and optimally, you’ll leave your devices in another room. The “cool” aspect is especially important during the summer, because your body will drift off to sleep more effectively when your body temperature is cool. Finally, prepare yourself for your bedtime by following a routine. During the last hour before you go to bed, begin turning off all electronics, including smartphones and your television. Then do whatever you need to do to prepare for bed, such as taking a shower, brushing your teeth, washing your face, etc. You can also include time in this routine to get ready for the next morning by laying out your clothing and preparing lunches. No matter what you include in your routine, it’s important to establish one and stick with it on a daily basis. Your body will begin to anticipate that bedtime is approaching. Are you feeling extra tired this summer? Visit AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah to talk with a knowledgeable physician who can determine if an underlying health issue is to blame.
