FEELING GREAT:Getting the best out of sleep often means doing less of it

Good morning everyone! Remember last week when I wrote about the merits of getting up and out of bed on a morning so you can enjoy the warmer days and hours of sunlight?
Most people are not taught about the real way to get the best from their sleeping habits.Most people are not taught about the real way to get the best from their sleeping habits.
Most people are not taught about the real way to get the best from their sleeping habits.

Well how about this true story about someone who really is losing the bedroom battle.

"Could you do 6.15am?"

That was a question I asked a potential client who called up and asked for an emergency physio appointment because he was suffering with severe back pain. Believe it or not, the guy said no to the appointment I offered. Why? Because he wouldn’t be out of bed at that time of the day!

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Now, think about that for a moment: a gentleman in so much pain that he was unlikely to be able to sleep couldn’t bring himself to get up and out of bed at a slightly earlier time than normal, despite the relief from back pain it would have given him for doing so.

It’s so illogical! Most people are not taught about the real way to get the best from their sleeping habits. And to get the best out of sleep often means doing less of it than you think you need.

I find lots of people are confused by the issue of tiredness and the role their bed has to play in decreasing it, or even solving it. Rarely is more sleep the answer to increasing energy levels or feeling less lethargic.

By spending more time in bed (more than 8 hours is already about one too many) you will feel LESS alert and more sluggish. So, with that in mind, these tips will help you get up and out earlier on a morning, leaving you feeling fresher and more alert for the whole day.

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If you’re going to bed around 10pm, aim not to eat after 7 pm. This will help you sleep easily, as your digestive system will be able to switch off too. Quality is more important than quantity of sleep.

When your alarm clock goes off, get up within minutes. Resist the temptation to hit the snooze button by leaving your alarm clock just out of reach so that you HAVE to get up.

Have a plan so that you know what you’re doing as soon as you get up. Something like the first 20 minutes to get active, to read a great book, and then perhaps to write and plan your day ahead (that alone will make your day seem to last longer).

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.