Need a Good Night's Sleep? Cenla Health - Alexandria, Pineville, Louisiana

Sleep habits are important. Unfortunately not all of us are good sleepers. There is much to be learned in the medical field about why some people are in general, better sleepers than other people.Suffice it to say however; just as some people are better athletes than others, some people genetically probably have an ability to sleep better.

That being said, if you are somebody who is not satisfied with the quality of your sleep or have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep or feel that your sleep is un-refreshing, there are some simple rules that everyone should follow regarding sleep and particularly if you are not satisfied with the quality of your sleep. These rules include:

1. Try to sleep in a comfortable, cool, dark sleep environment.
2. Eliminate any outside distractions or noises. Note these night time distractions may take the forms of pets that sleep in the bedroom or the child who wanders down the hall every night at midnight and climbs in beds with the parents.
3. If you have trouble sleeping avoid all caffeine after twelve noon.
4. Try to have regular bedtime and wake time hours.
5. Did not nap excessively or even at all, if your main problem is sleeping at night.
6. Have a bedtime routine that is relaxing for thirty minutes or so before going to bed. Do not use this time to do frustrating things such as balancing the checkbook or similar type activities.
7. Use alcohol sparingly. Alcohol, although many people feel that it does help them sleep, gives a rebound effect later in the night where the brain in actually activated as the alcohol metabolizes. This is counterproductive to good sleep.
8. Nicotine is also a stimulant. Although tobacco cessation is recommended for all, nicotine should probably not be used thirty minutes before going to bed for a stand point of sleep.
9. Regular exercise is important for many reasons but is also conducive to good sleep.

If you try these modalities and still have issues sleeping, you could have a sleep disorder. Discuss it with your doctor or contact the CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Sleep Center at (318) 448-4999. We would be happy to answer any questions regarding your sleep.

Dr. Foret is a board certified Sleep Physician with Cabrini Sleep Center.

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