HEALTHY LIVING

How To Get A Better Night’s Sleep

Published

10 months ago

March 9, 2024

How To Get A Better Night's Sleep | Fab.ng

Getting enough sleep is just as important for a healthy lifestyle as eating well and exercising regularly. In fact, we spend roughly a third of our entire lives asleep, highlighting how crucial sleep is for our overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, the recent heatwave plaguing Nigeria has made it difficult for many to catch a good night’s sleep.

While you might not be able to control the weather, there are definitely steps you can take to improve your sleep habits and encourage a more restful night.

The following tips offer simple yet effective strategies to help you achieve better sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.

1. Stick to a sleep schedule

Achieving a good night’s sleep is vital for a healthy lifestyle, along with maintaining a balanced diet and exercising regularly. Experts recommend adults aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night, but for a safe and reliable sleep schedule, eight hours is a good target.

A well-rested body is key to feeling energised and active throughout the day. Make sure you prioritise getting eight hours of sleep each night to allow your body to fully recharge.

Here’s a tip to regulate your sleep cycle: try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Consistency helps your body establish a natural sleep-wake rhythm. If you find yourself struggling to fall asleep after 20 minutes of tossing and turning, get out of bed and engage in a calming activity like reading, listening to calming music, or listening to a podcast. This will signal to your body that it’s not quite sleep time yet.

Finally, if you know you won’t be able to get a full eight hours of sleep at night due to unforeseen circumstances, try to catch up on some rest during the day with a short nap. Remember, napping for too long can disrupt your nighttime sleep, so keep it short and sweet.

2. Pay attention to what you eat and drink before bed

Pay attention to your bedtime snacks and drinks. Don’t hit the hay with an empty stomach, but avoid heavy meals within a couple of hours of bedtime. Opt for a lighter option if you feel hungry in the evening.

Skip the stimulants before bed. Nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol might seem tempting in the evening, but they can wreak havoc on your sleep. Nicotine and caffeine are stimulants, and their effects can linger for hours, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Even though alcohol might lull you into sleep initially, it disrupts your sleep cycle later in the night, leading to fragmented sleep and leaving you feeling tired in the morning.

3. Give yourself a room worthy of sleeping

Your bedroom environment plays a big role in getting a good night’s sleep. Aim for a cool, dark, and quiet space. Light exposure in the evenings can make it harder to fall asleep, so consider using room-darkening shades or an eye mask to block out any light.

Similarly, the blue light emitted from electronic devices like phones and laptops can disrupt your sleep cycle. Avoid using these screens for at least an hour before bedtime.

If noise is a concern, earplugs can help muffle distracting sounds. To cool down the room, you can use a fan or air conditioner (depending on the climate). The key is to create a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere that helps you drift off to sleep easily.

4. Limit long daytime naps

Long naps during the day can make it harder to fall asleep at night. To avoid disrupting your nighttime sleep, limit naps to a maximum of one hour. Ideally, try to schedule naps for earlier in the day. This is why most parents avoid letting their kids sleep around 6-7 pm; they know it will affect their nighttime rest.

If you work night shifts and need to nap late in the day to catch up on sleep, that’s perfectly understandable. However, try to adjust your schedule whenever possible to avoid napping too close to bedtime.

Regular physical activity is fantastic for your overall health and well-being, and it can even improve your sleep quality. However, avoid strenuous exercise too close to bedtime, as it can energise you and make it harder to fall asleep.

5. Avoid overthinking before bedtime

A relaxed mind is key to a good night’s sleep. If worries and anxieties are swirling around in your head, it can be difficult to drift off. Here are some tips to help you clear your mind and prepare for sleep:

Unburden your mind: Take a few minutes before bed to jot down any worries or concerns that are on your mind. Putting them on paper can help you let go of them for the night, knowing you can address them tomorrow.
Embrace relaxation techniques: Consider incorporating stress management practices like meditation, yoga, or light exercise into your evening routine. These activities can help calm your mind and body, preparing you for sleep.
Find your calm zone: Soothing music or calming podcasts can also be helpful tools for quieting your mind and promoting relaxation before bed.
Don’t bottle it up: If you find yourself lying in bed dwelling on worries, it’s best to address them. Get out of bed, jot down your thoughts, or try a relaxation technique. Going to sleep with a racing mind will only make it harder to fall asleep.

6. Contact your healthcare provider

Even if you follow all these tips for a good night’s sleep, there might still be times when you struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep consistently. If this becomes a regular problem, it’s important to talk to your doctor.

They can help identify any underlying medical conditions that might be affecting your sleep and recommend the best course of treatment to finally get you the restful sleep you deserve.

For more articles like this, visit here.

Related Topics:Night Sleep Night's Sleep Sleep

Up Next

Try This Easy Best Banana Bread Recipe

Don't Miss

You Don’t Need To Love Yourself Before You Can Love Someone Else, Here’s Why

HEALTHY LIVING

5 Ways To Stay Healthy This Christmas Season

Published

11 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

5 Ways To Stay Healthy This Christmas Season | fab.ng

The Christmas season is full of joy, food, and celebrations, but it can also be a time when health routines fall by the wayside. To stay healthy during the festive period, adopting mindful habits is key.

Here are five actionable strategies to ensure you enjoy the festivities while prioritising your well-being.

1. Make Balanced Food Choices

The holiday season is synonymous with indulgence. While it’s tempting to try everything on the table, opt for a balanced approach. Start meals with proteins and vegetables, which keep you full longer and stabilise your blood sugar.

Enjoy festive treats in moderation, allowing yourself small portions of your favourites without overindulging. By practising mindful eating, you can savour holiday flavours without guilt.

Staying hydrated is equally important. Drink plenty of water to counterbalance rich foods and avoid excessive sugary beverages or cocktails. Alternating alcohol with water is a good way to maintain balance during parties.

2. Prioritise Regular Exercise

Exercise doesn’t have to stop during the Christmas season. Incorporate simple physical activities like morning walks, quick home workouts, or even yoga to maintain your energy levels and reduce stress.

A 10–15 minute walk after meals can aid digestion and manage blood sugar levels. Staying active ensures you feel energised and offsets the effects of holiday indulgences.

3. Manage Holiday Stress

The Christmas season can be hectic, with endless to-do lists and social events. Combat stress by practising mindfulness and setting realistic expectations for your time.

Take breaks when needed, meditate, or engage in activities that help you unwind. Organising your tasks and delegating responsibilities can also alleviate pressure.

4. Get Adequate Sleep

Sleep is crucial for overall health, especially during a busy festive period. Poor sleep can lead to increased cravings and mood swings, making it harder to stick to healthy habits. Aim for 7–8 hours of rest each night.

Create a calming bedtime routine by avoiding screens, dimming lights, and reading a book to relax. Staying consistent with your sleep schedule will keep your energy levels high throughout the Christmas season.

5. Plan Ahead for Healthier Choices

With back-to-back events, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy eating habits. Preparing healthy snacks like nuts, boiled eggs, or fruit ensures you have nutritious options on hand.

Planning meals and snacks ahead of time helps avoid impulsive decisions, keeping your health goals on track even during the busiest days.

Enjoy the Festivities While Staying Healthy

By focusing on mindful eating, staying active, managing stress, sleeping well, and planning ahead, you can enjoy the Christmas season while maintaining your health. Balancing fun with wellness ensures you start the new year feeling your best.

If you found this article helpful, read more here.

FOOD

5 Health Benefits Of Cooking With Garlic

Published

2 weeks ago

December 7, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

5 Health Benefits of Cooking With Garlic | fab.ng

Garlic is more than just a flavour enhancer; it offers numerous health benefits that have been celebrated for centuries. Incorporating garlic into your meals not only enriches the taste but also boosts your overall well-being.

Let’s explore five key health benefits of garlic, emphasising why this simple ingredient deserves a spot in your kitchen.

1. Boosts Heart Health

Garlic is renowned for its heart-protective properties. It helps lower blood pressure and reduces cholesterol levels, which are crucial factors in maintaining cardiovascular health.

Allicin, a compound found in garlic, relaxes blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Regular consumption of garlic may also prevent artery hardening, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Clearly, one of the primary health benefits of garlic is its contribution to a healthy heart.

2. Strengthens the Immune System

Garlic acts as a powerful immune booster. Its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties help the body fend off infections. Rich in antioxidants, garlic combats free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to illness.

Cooking with garlic regularly can support your immune system, making it more resilient against common colds and flu. This vital health benefit of garlic makes it a natural defence mechanism.

3. Improves Digestive Health

Garlic promotes healthy digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes. Its antimicrobial properties can help balance gut flora, reducing harmful bacteria and promoting beneficial ones.

Additionally, garlic may reduce inflammation in the gut, alleviating symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Including garlic in your diet can improve overall digestive function, emphasising another essential health benefit of garlic.

4. Enhances Bone Health

Surprisingly, garlic may also support strong bones. It contains minerals like calcium, manganese, and selenium, which are vital for bone density and strength.

Some studies suggest that garlic consumption can increase estrogen levels in women, potentially reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

This lesser-known health benefit of garlic highlights its role beyond the kitchen, contributing to long-term skeletal health.

5. Supports Detoxification

Garlic aids the body’s natural detoxification process by activating liver enzymes that help eliminate toxins. Its sulfur compounds enhance liver function, enabling the body to flush out heavy metals and harmful substances more efficiently.

Regularly cooking with garlic can provide a natural cleanse, supporting overall vitality. This detoxifying health benefit of garlic underscores its importance for maintaining internal balance.

Incorporating Garlic into Your Diet

Maximise these health benefits by adding garlic to soups, stir-fries, and sauces. Crush or chop it and let it sit for a few minutes before cooking to enhance its beneficial compounds.

Remember, the health benefits of garlic are most potent when it’s used fresh and minimally cooked.

Cooking with garlic not only elevates your culinary creations but also offers significant health advantages. Embrace this versatile ingredient and enjoy the multiple health benefits of garlic with every meal.

Would you like more articles or additional tips? Check here.

HEALTHY LIVING

How To Stay Healthy While Boosting Productivity

Published

3 weeks ago

November 30, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Balancing health and productivity is essential for personal well-being and professional success. Integrating healthy habits into your daily routine enhances focus, reduces stress, and increases overall efficiency.

Here’s how you can maintain good health while staying productive:

1. Prioritise Physical Health

Exercise Regularly: Physical activity enhances both physical health and mental clarity. Simple practices like taking short walks during breaks or stretching between tasks improve circulation and energy levels.

Maintain Good Nutrition: Eating balanced meals fuels your body and brain. Choose healthy snacks and stay hydrated throughout the day to maintain consistent energy levels.

Sleep Well: Adequate sleep (7-9 hours) improves memory, focus, and mood, contributing to higher productivity. Establish a consistent bedtime routine to ensure restful sleep.

2. Manage Your Energy, Not Just Time

Identify peak productivity periods in your day. Allocate complex or creative tasks to those high-energy times, and save routine work for low-energy periods. This practice optimises your natural rhythms for maximum efficiency.

3. Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management

Take Short Breaks: Regular breaks prevent burnout and boost concentration. Even a five-minute pause every hour can refresh your mind.

Mindful Practices: Meditation or deep-breathing exercises reduce stress and improve focus. Incorporating these into your daily routine fosters mental clarity and emotional resilience.

4. Create a Healthy Work Environment

Ergonomic Workspace: Arrange your workspace to support good posture and reduce strain. Use ergonomic furniture and ensure proper lighting to prevent fatigue.

Limit Distractions: Reduce noise and digital interruptions to stay focused. Tools like “Do Not Disturb” settings and noise-cancelling headphones can help create a conducive work atmosphere.

5. Foster Mental Health

Set Boundaries: Separate work from personal time. Avoid checking work emails after hours to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Stay Connected: Engage in positive social interactions at work. A supportive environment enhances motivation and reduces feelings of isolation.

6. Optimise Productivity Techniques

Batch Tasks: Group similar activities together to avoid frequent context-switching, which drains mental energy. This method enhances focus and efficiency.

Use To-Do Lists: Organise tasks by priority. Focus on completing high-value activities first to maximise your productivity.

By integrating these health-focused strategies into your daily routine, you can maintain physical well-being, reduce stress, and improve productivity, creating a sustainable path to professional success and personal fulfilment.