Tips for better sleep

Related to yesterday's  (Sunday, May 2, 2010) post, "Sleep for Weight Control," which discussed reports suggesting that lack of sleep could potentially lead to weight gain and obesity, YogaJournal.com offers up tips for getting better sleep when dealing with sleep problems, specifically insomnia, in this article by Nora Isaacs. The theory is that stress, and the frenetic pace of daily life, can lead the body to find itself trapped in a constant state of arousal and finding the right "soothing rituals" that work for you can help calm the nervous system so you can get a good night's sleep. Some of the tips in the article include:

•  Get to bed early - The timing of your sleep is as important as the number of hours you get; getting to bed earlier (before 10PM) and waking up earlier (before 6AM) may help you feel less groggy in the morning
• Wind-down before bed - Turn off the television and computer and refrain from intense exercise and loud music; instead, put on some soothing music or light candles
• Journal - If racing thoughts keep you up at night, use a bedside journal to get all those thoughts out of your head and onto the page

For these and other tips, read the full Yoga Journal article here.      

Image: Sarah Kehoe for YogaJournal.com

Related to yesterday's  (Sunday, May 2, 2010) post, "Sleep for Weight Control," which discussed reports suggesting that lack of sleep could potentially lead to weight gain and obesity, YogaJournal.com offers up tips for getting better sleep when dealing with sleep problems, specifically insomnia, in this article by Nora Isaacs. The theory is that stress, and the frenetic pace of daily life, can lead the body to find itself trapped in a constant state of arousal and finding the right "soothing rituals" that work for you can help calm the nervous system so you can get a good night's sleep. Some of the tips in the article include:

•  Get to bed early - The timing of your sleep is as important as the number of hours you get; getting to bed earlier (before 10PM) and waking up earlier (before 6AM) may help you feel less groggy in the morning
• Wind-down before bed - Turn off the television and computer and refrain from intense exercise and loud music; instead, put on some soothing music or light candles
• Journal - If racing thoughts keep you up at night, use a bedside journal to get all those thoughts out of your head and onto the page

For these and other tips, read the full Yoga Journal article here.      

Image: Sarah Kehoe for YogaJournal.com

Sleep for weight control

If you are looking to lose or control your weight, consider getting more sleep in addition to eating right and exercising. Recent studies have suggested a connection between lack of sleep and increased calorie intake and risk for obesity. The New York Times' Anahad O'Connor reports that a 2005 study observed a correlation between sleeping fewer than seven hours per night and an increased risk for weight gain and obesity. Further, two recent studies have found links (in both men and women) between sleeping fewer than 8 to 8-1/2 hours per night and consuming significantly more calories. So, call it a day and get some shut-eye!

Image: Danilo Rizzuti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

If you are looking to lose or control your weight, consider getting more sleep in addition to eating right and exercising. Recent studies have suggested a connection between lack of sleep and increased calorie intake and risk for obesity. The New York Times' Anahad O'Connor reports that a 2005 study observed a correlation between sleeping fewer than seven hours per night and an increased risk for weight gain and obesity. Further, two recent studies have found links (in both men and women) between sleeping fewer than 8 to 8-1/2 hours per night and consuming significantly more calories. So, call it a day and get some shut-eye!

Image: Danilo Rizzuti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The less obvious benefits of exercise

Related to yesterday's post, about working out with a partner or "gym buddy," this article from Monday's New York Times, entitled "To Keep Moving, Look Beyond the Physical," discusses the added, and less obvious, benefits of exercise. The article focuses primarily on exercise as an opportunity to build rewarding relationships with new or current friends, but also mentions improved sleep and reduced stress as additional benefits of physical activity. If the health benefits of exercise aren't enough to motivate you to start working out, let yourself be inspired by the chance to have a good time with a friend.

New York Times 03/08/10 "To Keep Moving, Look Beyond the Physical" by Jane E. Brody

Related to yesterday's post, about working out with a partner or "gym buddy," this article from Monday's New York Times, entitled "To Keep Moving, Look Beyond the Physical," discusses the added, and less obvious, benefits of exercise. The article focuses primarily on exercise as an opportunity to build rewarding relationships with new or current friends, but also mentions improved sleep and reduced stress as additional benefits of physical activity. If the health benefits of exercise aren't enough to motivate you to start working out, let yourself be inspired by the chance to have a good time with a friend.

New York Times 03/08/10 "To Keep Moving, Look Beyond the Physical" by Jane E. Brody