Can’t sleep? Insomnia? This surprising tip could finally get you a good night’s sleep, says a sleep specialist.
Establishing the right bedtime routine can have a significant impact on sleep. A habit as straightforward as nightly teeth brushing can promote quicker sleep onset.
Neglecting this evening routine might not only affect your oral health but can also hinder your ability to drift off, a medical professional suggests.
Dr. David Kuhlmann, a respected sleep expert, shared these insights during an Ask Me Anything session on Reddit.
As a representative of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), Dr. Kuhlmann emphasized the value of sleep hygiene in addressing insomnia.
Answering a user’s query about the best sleep hygiene practices, Dr. Kuhlmann shared, “For me personally, the most important sleep hygiene technique that I use…. brushing my teeth.”
He also highlighted the importance of a cool, dark sleeping environment for those facing challenges in dozing off.
Responding to a query about maintaining sleep throughout the night, Dr. Kuhlmann stressed the essence of waking up rejuvenated rather than merely staying unconscious. He mentioned that medication might offer temporary relief, but isn’t a long-term solution, especially if it leads to a groggy morning or aggravates insomnia.
He pointed out factors like insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea as common causes of disturbed sleep. Moreover, he encouraged individuals to reflect on their wake-up patterns, the time it takes to fall back asleep, and its effect on their subsequent day.
His post resonated with countless individuals, drawing numerous responses from users eager to improve their sleep.
On the topic of using a TV for background noise, Dr. Kuhlmann added, “The reason I am opposed to falling asleep with a TV is that it is a light source that requires active attention.”
For those reliant on some background noise, he proposed using a radio, given its non-intrusive nature.
“I would recommend a radio because it is not a light source and does not require active attention.”
Dr. Shalini Paruthi, another sleep aficionado, chimed in, reassuring that snoozing to TV background noise is acceptable, given the sleep is rejuvenating.
Yet, she cautioned against the blue light from TVs, phones, and tablets, explaining that it can postpone melatonin release, pushing back our sleep time.
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