Wellness Weekly 5: Don’t Sleep On Sleep

By Idy Perl

Welcome back to Wellness Weekly! This week we discuss the thing that keeps us going every day, but that is also a struggle to many: sleep! A lack of sleep has been shown to interfere with everyday functions as our body needs proper rest in order to continue going every day. So work on that nighttime routine, shut the lights, and sweet dreams! 

Myth Buster

Myth: Melatonin, like other sleep medications, makes you fall asleep. 

Truth: Melatonin is one of the many hormones that our brains produce to regulate our circadian rhythm, or the sleep-wake cycle. The body begins to naturally produce melatonin during the evening and continues throughout the night. Taking a melatonin supplement 30-60 minutes before going to sleep signals to the body that it’s time to wind down and go to sleep, but does not actually force it to fall asleep. 

Healthy Hacks 

Although it hasn’t been proven scientifically, this old sleep remedy involves just two simple ingredients and is said to help those who have a difficult time falling asleep or staying asleep. 

Ingredients: 

Honey

Sea Salt

Around 30 minutes before going to sleep take a bit of raw honey and sprinkle the salt on top with a ratio of approximately 5:1. Let the mixture sit on your tongue until absorbed. 

Wellness Wisdom

Although going to sleep in a warm room may sound very cozy, studies find that sleeping in a bedroom that’s around 65-68 degrees is more conducive to quality sleep. Since our body temperature drops naturally while we sleep, a warm room can interfere with that process and reduce sleep quality.

Mind and Body Exercise

Having a consistent bedtime routine is almost as important as sleep itself, since it allows the body to properly relax and prepare for a good night’s sleep. Meditation is a proven method to help the mind slow down and relax and prepare to fall asleep. Short mediation track can be found on various platforms, but if you don’t have that, try laying flat on your bed and slowly go through all your muscles from top to bottom, contracting and relaxing each one as you relax deeper into the mattress. Breathe deeply and place your hands on your stomach to help you focus on every breath as it goes in and out. 

Sharing Is Caring 

What’s your favorite thing to do to help you relax at night?

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