Michele Russ shares more ways to support the immune system through a good nights rest and a healthy sleep schedule

When was the last time you got a good night’s sleep? Consistently getting a good night’s sleep is essential to our health and well-being, but ensuring that we get enough sleep can be easier said than done. Our body’s natural defenses do a remarkable job of keeping us well, but a lack of sleep negatively affects our immune system’s ability to do so. There are many different factors that affect our quality and quantity of sleep, so the answers to our sleep deprivation might be different for everyone. After suffering through many sleepless nights myself, here are some of my favorite tips and tricks that help me get that sought-after, restorative rest that our bodies need. I hope they help you, too!

Wear a Sleep Mask

My first big step towards improved sleep quality was wearing a silk sleep mask. I used to think they were silly and thought I’d never be able to sleep with one. But after lying awake for hours with the ambient light seeping in through our bedroom windows, I decided to try it. By night three, I was hooked. I now sleep more deeply and wake less often than I did without a mask, and I can more easily fall back to sleep when I do wake up. Black out curtains may do the trick for you as well.

Take an Epsom Salt Bath

Let this ritual become a relaxing part of your bedtime routine a couple of times a week. Pour a cup or two of epsom salt into a nice hot bath, sprinkle in a few drops of lavender oil and settle in for a good 15 minute soak. Not only is this routine calming, but the natural magnesium in the salts absorbs through your skin, relaxes your muscles and may help prepare your body and mind for sleep. 

Avoid alcohol close to bedtime 

While a glass of wine or your favorite cocktail may help you unwind after a long day, enjoying them too close to bedtime can disrupt your sleep. You may fall asleep easily, only to wake in the middle of the night and have difficulty dozing off again. Try limiting your adult beverages to just one with dinner, or reserving alcohol only for the weekend, and notice if you sleep any better. 

A consistent good night’s sleep will support your immune system’s ability to prevent illness and make for much better mornings. There are so many ways to improve your sleep, and I’d love to help you tackle any sleep issues you may be experiencing. Restless nights are no fun. Send us an email at info@graceyps.com if you’d like to explore ways to get you back to sweet dreams again.

Sleep well and be well!

Michele is available for private and semi private (2-4 people) wellness coaching and consultation