Poor sleep hampers your overall health, including how well you fare in your weight-loss endeavors. From premature aging to a compromised immune system, the side-effects of sleepless nights can add up, says Barbara Harris, author of Shape Your Life: 4 Weeks to a Better Body -- and a Better Life!.
Getting a good night's sleep is high on the list of things you can do to boost your health and fitness levels. Sleep is crucial for optimum immunity, Harris says. When you don't get enough shuteye, your workouts may be less effective and you're more likely to store fat.
But that's not all. Your ability to manage stress throughout the day is also compromised. Studies reveal women frequently turn to food to soothe themselves in times of stress. It's also a fact that many women also eat more to raise their energy level.
In this eDiets exclusive, we offer Harris' seven tips for a good night's snooze.
1. Get regular exposure to daylight, especially in the afternoon. Research shows that night-shift workers can improve daytime sleep by working under bright lights.
2. Prior to bedtime, use dimmer switches or turn off a few lamps to lower the lighting in your home or apartment.
3. Don't allow yourself to nod off on the sofa. When you start feeling drowsy, get up and go to bed.
4. Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex. Don't make it a satellite office, study hall or entertainment center.
5. When you can't sleep, try using imagery and thoughts to relax. Deep-breathing techniques also work.
6. If you haven't dropped off within about 20 minutes, get out of bed and read or engage in some other quiet activity. Go back to bed when you get sleepy.
7. Put the alarm clock out of sight. Clock watching doesn't help you sleep -- it may even keep you awake!
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