Healthy Sleeping
Healthy sleep isn't just about getting enough sleep; getting the right kind counts, too. While you sleep your brain stays active, and it actually takes several stages of sleep to make you feel well and refreshed. Just how much sleep we need changes as we age, from 16 to 18 hours a day for newborns to 7 to 8 hours a night for adults. If you find yourself feeling tired or fatigued during the day even after a full night in bed, you may have a sleep disorder. See your family doctor or a sleep specialist for help.
Recently Answered
- Q What's a fast and easy way to relax before sleep?
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Dr. John Preston, PsychologyHere’s a simple breathing technique that activates the parasympathetic nervous system and helps to induce relaxation. Take a deep breath, counting to 4 as you inhale. Hold for a count of 6, then slowly exhale for a count of 8. Repeat five... Full Answer
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- Q How can getting out of bed help me sleep better?
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Dr. John Preston, PsychologyDon’t lie awake in bed for longer than twenty minutes. If you can’t fall asleep within twenty minutes, get up and do something relaxing before trying again. Read a calming book, meditate or do a relaxation exercise, and then when you... Full Answer
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- Q How can I learn to sleep better?
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Dr. John Preston, PsychologyIt may seem counterintuitive to have to work at getting a good night’s sleep, but sleep experts have found that good sleep habits, otherwise known as sleep hygiene, can improve your likelihood of enjoying healthy sleep. - Stick to a sleep... Full Answer
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- Q Can a lack of adequate sleep harm my health?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyWomen often don't get enough sleep due to family responsibilities, and this can be harmful to their health. Watch as Dr. Donnica Moore and Dr. Oz discuss the health problems caused by lack of adequate sleep in this video. Full Answer
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- Q Are humans supposed to sleep for eight hours straight every night?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyThe answer seems obvious, but not so fast. You may know about the nooner, but there used to be such a thing as the medieval midnighter. In those times, people would go to bed when it was dark in the early evening; wake up in the middle of the night for a... Full Answer
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- Q How can I make my child's bedroom more conducive to sleep?
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Dr. Michael Breus, PsychologyMake sure your child's bedroom is conducive to sleep! Remove distractions and televisions. Make it cool, dark, quiet and comfortable. Full Answer
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- Q What are over-the-counter sleep aids?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacySleep aids are taken to help with sleeplessness or insomnia. Types of sleep aids include antihistamines, melatonin, and valerian. Most sleep aids tend to cause drowsiness or regulate the body's internal clock. Additionally, there are many home... Full Answer
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- Q What are the advantages of sharing a bed with my partner?
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Dr. Michael Breus, PsychologyThere are some serious advantages to sleeping with a partner.• In many cases this is the time for intimacy, from cuddling to sex, and it usually occurs in bed. Sure you can have “dates” for this, but how do you say “Honey I love... Full Answer
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- Q What are some ways to prepare your body for rest?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineMost of us do things at night that are counterproductive to sleeping. Instead, make slight changes in your rituals to prepare your body for rest: Dim your lights several hours before bed to avoid the stimulation caused by artificial light... Full Answer
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- Q What chi-gong move will help me get to sleep?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineNext time you find yourself squirming like a toddler in church as you're trying to get to sleep, try this relaxation and sleep-promoting move taken from the practices of chi-gong. Rub your hands together to warm them (and gather chi). Place each palm... Full Answer
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