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On this broadcast for Movin’ Together, our topic or tool is sleep! I traveled to Laurel Health in Blossburg, PA, to speak with Family Certified Nurse Practitioner Tina Doud-Kearns.

Like any other tool, we have to know how to use it so it gives us the most benefit. We schedule our doctor and dentist appointments and attempt to arrive on time. Like when I met with Tina, I arrived on time! So why can’t we schedule our sleep time and show up on time?

Is Your Sleep Healthy? If you answer NO to the following questions, please continue reading and/or watch the broadcast with Tina for some healthy sleep advice!

Do you wake up feeling refreshed in the morning? Do you have lots of energy during the day? Are you in a good mood during the day? Do you feel clear headed?

Sticking to a consistent bedtime and wake time takes intentionality and self-discipline, but our bodies will thank us! There are some helpful methods for accomplishing this sleep routine goal. It’s best if the bedroom is saved for sleeping. Screen time before bed only delays the ability to fall asleep, which causes frustration. Regular bedtimes and a calm, quiet bedtime routine are the quickest paths to sleep success.

Tina also recommends a cool, quiet, and dark room to encourage a good sleep pattern. When you develop a good sleep time, try to stay within a half hour of it to stay consistent. She encourages us to remove electronic devices from the bedroom, such as TVs, computers, and smartphones.

In addition to adequate and steady sleep, our daytime routines play a role in our health and fatigue. “Busy” is the name of the game in today’s world. But with extended workdays, responsibilities, and daily multi-tasking, proper rest is more important than ever! Healthy sleep patterns improve learning, memory, creativity, and mood.

Tina Doud-Kearns also sent this article for our reading pleasure preparing for sleep!

Sleep is essential for many reasons. While you are awake, the brain burns many calories and creates waste byproducts. During sleep, small channels in the brain expand to help clear out these waste products. This process may be why sufficient good-quality sleep is linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Lack of adequate sleep also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and an increase in anxiety/depression. Good sleep also helps your immune system to stay strong!