Managing Digestive Disorders
About Me
Managing Digestive Disorders

My name is Lilith Maclin and if you suffer from a digestive disorder, you can find a wealth of information about this type of medical condition in my blog. Three years ago, my husband was having severe stomach cramps and his doctor told him that he had a digestive disorder called ulcerative colitis. After my husband was diagnosed, I did thorough research to learn how to control and manage this disorder. We kept track of everything that my husband ate and when a certain food caused a flare-up of his condition, he eliminated that food from his diet. By learning all we could about this digestive disorder, my husband has been able to live pain free. If you want more information about this disorder and how to manage it, you can find it here by reading my blog.

Managing Digestive Disorders

4 Things That You Didn't Know Were Ruining Your Sleep

Louella Davidson

When it comes to getting a good night's sleep, you might think you know what you should and shouldn't do. For example, you probably know that it isn't exactly a good idea to drink a cup of coffee an hour before you go to bed. However, there is a good chance that some of your habits are getting in the way of you having a good night's sleep. These are a few things that you probably didn't know could ruin your sleep.

1. Nightcaps

Having a drink or two in the evening is known as a "nightcap" for a reason, and many people think that having a few drinks before bed can actually help them sleep. Although drinking a little bit in moderation isn't a bad thing, drinking more than a couple of drinks can have a negative effect on your sleep. It can make you more apt to snore or stop breathing temporarily while you're sleeping, which can be dangerous and can certainly affect your rest. Plus, alcohol affects REM sleep, which is the most restorative form of sleep. Therefore, it's best to consume alcohol in moderation or to have a cup of hot, decaffeinated tea instead.

2. Before-Bed Cigarettes

If you're a smoker, you probably like to have a last smoke before you hit the hay at night. However, it's best to avoid smoking at night, if you aren't ready to quit altogether. Nicotine acts as a stimulant, which can wake up your brain and make it harder for you to fall asleep.

3. Medication

It might seem easy to remember to take your medication right before bed, but some medications actually have small doses of steroids or other stimulants. Talk to your doctor about how your medication might be affecting your sleep, and consider changing your medication schedule so that you prescriptions won't affect your sleep.

4. Warm Blankets

Warm, snuggly blankets might seem like the perfect thing to prepare you for bed, but getting too warm can actually make it harder for you to fall asleep. Research shows that higher body temperatures can disrupt sleep, so it can be smart to choose a lighter blanket or to run a fan in your bedroom to help keep you cool.

Getting a good night's sleep each night is important for your mood and your overall health, so make sure that these four common things aren't getting in the way of you getting the rest that you need. If your sleep continues to suffer, be sure to seek medical assistance from experts such as those at Billings Clinic.


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