FEELING GREAT: Spending less time asleep will help win the ‘bedroom battle’

The clocks have changed; welcome to the lighter nights!

The day is brighter and longer for us all now, but wouldn’t you like to be able to see more daylight and make the most of the milder weather?

A better quality of sleep is essential for us all, but, believe it or not, most people spend too much time in bed. Spending more than 7-8 hours in bed is unhealthy, and a lack of knowledge on this is why most people lose what I call the ‘bedroom battle’.

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But you have come through the worst of it - winter and colder months, when you might find it more difficult to get up and about as early as you might like. Why shouldn’t you be enjoying the glorious morning sunrise over the Headland? See it for yourself instead of looking at photos on Facebook ...

Start with the basic: the alarm clock isn’t helping. The problem with any alarm is that it’s designed to frighten you into action. Think car alarm, burglar alarm: they jolt you.

So, an alarm clock isn’t the best way to begin your day. Natural light lamps or soothing music are better options. And what about the temptation to think you need that extra time in bed for fear that you’ll be left feeling tired all day? It’s a myth – more sleep doesn’t mean more energy in the bank.

Most people lose the battle of the bed because of a simple formula: lack of vitamin D (sunlight) + extra time spent on the couch in the evening = feeling lethargic. And that leads to the mistake of thinking the answer to your energy problem more sleep.

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Rarely, unless there’s an underlying medical condition, extreme sleep deprivation, or you’re a new mum, is this true. Most people need less sleep. And more sleep hoping to feel less tired – well, that’s a fallacy too.

When it comes to sleep, less is more. The average adult needs just 6-7 hours each night. If your current level is around 10 hours, switching to 6-7 will leave you groggy. Stick at it for about 30 days, it becomes the norm and a healthy habit is formed.

The golden hours happen between 5-8 am each morning. But how many people are still in bed? Rising at that time each day could see you exercise more, to plan and enjoy your day or even clean the house in peace.

And if you do manage to make this a healthy habit, here’s what waits for you: by climbing out of bed just ONE hour earlier each morning you will find spare time equivalent to one entire working week in your life, every month.

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To get used to adopting Healthy Habits, get in touch for a FREE copy of my book of that very name!

It is essential reading for people aged 50+, and for anyone that would like to improve their own healthy habits. Please call 01429 866771.

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