Eating to offset the effects of ageing
Are you falling asleep on the job through lack of a good night’s rest? Insufficient shut-eye has a detrimental effect on your ability to function properly.
When you’re drowsy, your brain won’t process information as quickly or retain important facts so well. You’ll be less creative and find it hard to make decisions properly, all of which will make you less productive.
As well as hindering your work, lack of sleep will make you irritable and an irritation to your fellow workers. And, of course, your boss won’t be happy.
But, more importantly, the less time you spend in the land of Nod, the more likely you are to suffer from high blood pressure. Sleep aids the blood in regulating stress hormones and ensures a healthy nervous system.
Getting a better night’s sleep
There are steps that you can take to help keep insomnia at bay. First and foremost, make sure you have a decent mattress. If you feel that your pressure points are not being correctly supported by your current bed, then this may mean that you may need to consider changing your mattress.
Pillows are another source of frustration. You may have purchased a million pillows because you can’t seem to get your shoulders away from your neck. In other words, you scrunch up your shoulders while sleeping and end up with a headache or neck and shoulder pain. Result, you certainly won’t feel like getting up to go to work, more like pulling a sickie.
Once you’ve got your bedding sorted out, try the following to send you off:
• Drink a cup of camomile tea an hour before bed, instead of coffee or tea
• Use a diffuser in your bedroom with some lavender oil to help you relax
• Minimise screen time (TV, computer, phone) close to bedtime
• Have a warm bath with Epsom salts an hour before bed
• Get your adrenals tested in case your cortisol levels are high in the evening, thereby preventing you getting to sleep
Happy slumbering.
