The ABZZZZZZ's of getting a good night's sleep


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PROVO — A good night's sleep does not come easily for everyone. Some people have to turn to a sleep expert to figure out why they're not catching enough Zs.

In fact, 40 million people in the U.S. suffer from chronic sleep disorders. Sleep specialist Wayne Woodward, a registered polysomnographic technologist at Utah Valley Hospital's Sleep Center, said, "We need seven to eight hours in order to be refreshed and restored."

If you are not getting the right amount of sleep you put yourself at risk for: heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, congestive heart failure and heart attacks.

Woodward said, "All of those play into not getting enough or having sleep disorders."

If you can't get to sleep the American College of Physicians released new guidelines this year suggesting people should try changing their behavior before reaching for a pill. One key behavior that causes sleep problems is our addiction to smartphones and electronics.

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"The light receptors in our brain that comes from our eyes to our brain are right next to and talk to our sleep center. They are right next to each other, so we need to shut down those bright lights, the blue waves, the screens. We need to get rid of the screens," said Woodward.

Woodward also suggests powering down and unplugging an hour before bed. Other habits we could change: taking TVs out of the bedroom, not having critical conversations in the bedroom, not napping, establishing a routine, not drinking caffeine at least four hours before bed and not eating a big heavy meal within three hours of bed time.

And before you head to the pharmacy for over-the-counter medicine, check with your doctor.

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UtahYour Life - Your Health
Erin Goff

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