sleephealth Archives - Be Well Solutions

Creating Healthy Boundaries with Screen Time

Americans spend an average of 7 hours and 3 minutes looking at screens each day (Mastermind Behavior1). Between television, tablets, computers, and smartphones, screen time has become essentially unavoidable. However, excess time spent on screens has significantly impacted our health, including sleep, stress management, and even our activity levels. While giving up screens entirely is likely not an option, establishing healthy boundaries with them can have a positive influence on your health and well-being. Set Limits It is easy to get caught up in endless scrolling or binge-watching just one more episode, but then the guilt, fatigue, anxiety, and stress can quickly settle in afterward. Put realistic limits on your daily screen time. Pay attention to the time you are spending in front of the screen. Set a timer that will remind you to get up, shift your attention, or [...]

Foods for Restful Nights: Certain Foods Can Help or Hurt Our Sleep

Getting a good night's sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Sleep is not a passive process; during sleep our body revitalizes physically and mentally. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that proper sleep reduces the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and clinical depression. Proper sleep is essential for optimal daytime functioning. The doctors at the CDC advise that most adults should get between 7 and 9 hours of sound, uninterrupted sleep each night. The most common symptom of poor sleep is daytime fatigue and poor energy. The National Sleep Foundation reports that nearly a quarter of all US adults experience sleep difficulties that impair their daytime energy, motivation and concentration. While many factors affect sleep including sleep environment (light, temperature, sounds), individual stress levels, [...]