Better sleep is on the minds of many individuals these days. We hear so much about good sleep hygiene. This term refers to the importance of high-quality sleep without disruptions. When we sleep, we promote healing properties throughout the body.
Getting a good night’s sleep is critical for optimal health. On the other hand, poor sleep leads to adverse effects. The side effects and complications associated with sleep disorders are irritability, fatigue, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disorders, chronic disease, diabetes, depression, behavioral issues, stroke, and brain function impairment. If not rectified, over time, sleep deprivation can lead to heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, and other serious complications.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, insomnia and sleep disruptions can be caused by the following:
• Medical conditions (sleep apnea, back pain, acid reflux, arthritis)
• Depression
• Anxiety
• PTSD
• Lifestyle Disruptors (naps, shift work, circadian
rhythm imbalance)
• Medications
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Nicotine
• Heavy meals
Is blue light disrupting your sleep?
On top of these disturbances, lies the most common issue that interferes with circadian rhythm, which is blue light. Pathways of brainwave activity and wavelengths lie in various regions of the brain, and they can be affected by stimuli and blue light: Delta waves promote deep sleep and regeneration, beta make us sleep lighter with emotional dreaming, alpha promotes faster activity in a relaxed state, and theta causes stress and anxiety.
Blue light emits wavelengths that contribute to sleep disturbances within our brains. Blue light comes from artificial lighting and electronics like fluorescent and LED lightbulbs, laptops, mobile phones, iPad, television, some alarm clocks, fiber-optic cable boxes, and other devices that use blue light. The issue is that blue light makes your brain think that it’s still daytime, which makes it difficult to fall and stay asleep.
What can you do for a better night’s sleep?
Setting a schedule is helpful. If you plan to go to sleep each night at the same time, this can help to reregulate your circadian rhythm. Winding down with the sun is also essential. Once the sun sets, that is your cue to dim the lights and start to relax. You can increase your relaxation by not watching anything action-packed on television, not eating or drinking anything three hours before bed, especially sugar or caffeine. It can help to take a relaxing bath, read a book or drink some herbal tea before bedtime. Exercise is also critical for increasing sleep hygiene. Exercise should be done earlier in the day. This is also known to increase the circadian rhythm and relax the body and mind. In saying this, many people find it helpful to take a leisurely walk in the evening after dinner, but it’s not recommended to do intense exercise. Mediation is also a great way to relax the mind. Today, it’s easy to find free meditation apps or videos online.
Sleep apnea disrupts sleep because of the lack of oxygen to the brain.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it’s critical to seek medical attention. If you find yourself gasping for air in the middle of the night or snoring, you may be at risk. Sleep apnea can cause strokes, cognitive decline and other serious issues.
Freedom Village of Bradenton offers Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care Options
Freedom Village is committed to enriching the lives of each resident by providing personalized care, welcoming living spaces, remarkable amenities, and customized services within the phases of living arrangements that many senior communities fail to offer. We are a CCRC, (Continuing Care Retirement Community), that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care and skilled nursing.
As a CCRC, Freedom Village of Bradenton offers multiple phases of living for your specific needs, which include Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing.
At Freedom Village of Bradenton, they are committed to doing everything they can to make their senior living community the best it can be. That is why they are excited to announce that Freedom Village’s management team will now be working with Life Care Services®, an LCS® Company*, the nationwide leader in senior living that provides management support to over 140 communities across the country. It is the same strong Freedom Village team with even better resources for a vibrant, active community! Freedom Village of Bradenton has been part of the Bradenton, Florida, community for over 30 years.
Your Life, Your Way, Every Day— Contact Freedom Village of Bradenton Today to Find Out More at 941-798-8122 or visit fvbradenton.com.
6406 21st Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34209