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7 Sins of Summer Sleep Print E-mail
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What are the 7 Sins of Summer Sleep?

Summer is here and vacations are just around the corner. Good quality sleep never falls out of season and it is important to maintain good sleep habits - even on vacation.

1

Not Listening to Your Body Clock

Go to sleep when you are sleepy and don't let the sun fool you. Just because the sun may be up later than usual that doesn't mean you should be too. Keep a regular bed time routine. If necessary, purchase blinds for your bedroom that can keep the evening sun out.
2

Not Controlling the Temperature in Your Bedroom

A cool and well ventilated bedroom can improve sleep quality. Warmer temperatures and higher humidity negatively impact sleep quality and continuity.
3

Abandoning Your Sleep Routines on Vacation

Vacations are a time for fun and relaxation. Maintaining a good sleep/wake rhythm on vacation will allow you to maximize the benefits of your time away. When you return to the grind, you will not only bring back that suntan, but also a rested body and mind.
4

Caffeine

Caffeine is the most commonly used stimulant in the world. The trouble is that it can remain active in your body for 6 to 8 hours. Carefully limit your caffeine intake in the afternoon, so you can fall asleep and stay asleep more easily.
5

Alcohol

Alcohol can promote sleepiness, but it always negatively impacts sleep quality. Alcohol blocks dreaming, fragments sleep and results in daytime sleepiness and napping which perpetuates sleeping problems.
6

Ignoring Snoring

Snoring is caused by a collapse or narrowing of the upper airway and is a symptom of Sleep-Disordered Breathing. It can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, significant medical diseases and reduced quality of life - even for your bed partner. If you have been told you snore or stop breathing at night, contact us, or someone in sleep medicine today!
7

Drowsy Driving

Summer time car travel is an American tradition. However, drivers with untreated sleep disorders, such as Sleep Apnea, are one of the most dangerous threats on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that driver fatigue is responsible for an estimated 100,000 motor vehicle accidents and 1500 deaths each year. If you plan to drive long distances, get plenty of sleep for several days before you leave, and pull over at rest stops for short naps if you start feeling sleepy behind the wheel. The cost of a room for one night is worth  the lives that you carry in your car.

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