Five for Friday, Episode 048 - Sleep Hygiene

Statistics say that 35% of Americans report sleep quality of poor or only fair. So, more than a third of the country is sleep deprived. It's even worse for personal caregivers of terminally ill patients. Studies show that caregivers for a terminally ill patient have more difficulty sleeping. However, sleep improves after hospice is initiated.

The National Sleep Foundation (www.sleepfoundation.org) recommends 7-9 hours of sleep a night. How can we improve our sleep, or get more sleep? The NSF suggests that practicing good "sleep hygiene" can improve sleep. Here are some suggestions.

1. Maintain a sleep schedule. 
2. Bedtime rituals. Lighting, sounds, etc.
3. Avoid naps, exercise daily
4. Avoid alcohol, and heavy meals, and caffeine
5. Avoid electronics. Laptops, iPads, tablets, phones.

For more information, visit our website at www.theheartofhospice.com, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates.