Restless tossing and turning and trouble falling asleep or staying sleep are a familiar problems for many Americans over the age of 40. Factors such as stress, insomnia, and sleep disorders make it difficult to maintain healthy sleep patterns. In the past few years, more and more people have turned to sleep aids like Ambien to help them get to sleep faster and longer. Today, more than nine million people are prescribed sleep aids, and the number is on the rise. Changes in sleep are normal as we age, but there are still some tricks that can help you sleep without a trip to the pharmacy.
- Turn off overhead lights
- Avoid artificial blue rays from electronics
- Eat dinner earlier
- Avoid stimulating activities and exercise
- Take 2-5 mg of sublingual melatonin
- Take 25 mg of Benadryl as needed
- Watch TV from a distance of 10 feet or more
- Read instead of watching TV
- Turn off lights at the first hint of sleepiness
- Quiet your mind however you can
It might take some time to find what works for you, but a good night’s sleep is important for a happy and healthy lifestyle. With a little practice and patience, Dr. Renna’s tips for great sleep can be a natural part of your nightly routine. So, lights out!
For more information or to interview Dr. Renna, please contact Brook Cockrell at brooke@kipmorrison.com. For more information on LifeSpan medicine.
Dr. Chris Renna, is a board certified primary care specialist in practice for more than 30 years. He has pioneered the field of integrative and preventive medicine at his busy Dallas and Los Angeles LifeSpan medicine clinics that count among their patients NBA and NFL players, Olympic athletes, movie stars and Fortune 500 executives. Dr. Renna has co-authored two books, The End of Pain and Balance Your Brain, Balance Your Life. He is a former clinical faculty member at several medical schools and has discussed his work internationally and on the Dr. Oz radio show.
LifeSpan medicine is an integrative, functional medical practice with a team of doctors that offer the most advanced technology for non-invasive medicine. The practice has two locations in Santa Monica and Dallas. Clients range from the average person looking to be healthier to NFL, NBA, and Olympic athletes to movie stars and Fortune 500 executives. Please visit www.lifespanmedicine.com
