Lifestyle advice for Stress and Sleep

Sleep

Good sleep habits are very important to ensure that you get a good night’s rest. If you are troubled by insomnia, try to go to sleep and get up at regular times to help your body establish a pattern. 

Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark and kept at a comfortable temperature. Also remove electronic devices like mobile phones.

You should avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and chocolate as well as stimulating activities (like playing computer games or exercise) late in the evening. 

Exercise is very important for general health and wellbeing and can help to ensure that we get a good night’s sleep. Exercising is also a good way of working out stress and frustration, leaving you feeling more peaceful and less irritable. 

If you have trouble getting to sleep, try to exercise in the middle of the day and use your evening to relax. Sometimes the body can be deficient in important sleep-inducing chemicals. 

Stress

Regular gentle exercise is a great way to control stress levels and keep blood pressure and cholesterol down. A brisk 30 minute walk every day will produce benefits and improve your sense of wellbeing as will other easy and enjoyable forms of exercise such as swimming, yoga, tai chi and stretching and cycling. 

Relaxation is also important. Setting aside some quiet 'me- time' exclusively for yourself can often be a challenge. Take time out from a busy schedule or family life to give yourself a chance to recharge your emotional batteries. It doesn‘t matter what you do œ go to a movie, read a book, relax in the bath, or go for a massage - what‘s important is that you take time for yourself.