New Year’s Resolution-Better Self-Care

Trouble Sleeping?

More and more research is coming out that the use of electronics near bedtime can interfere with sleep.  Light is considered one of the strongest factors affecting the body’s circadian clock, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle.  Melatonin is suppose to be highest at night to help induce sleep.  However, light can suppress melatonin and thus, disrupt the body’s circadian cycle.

So, if you are having trouble sleeping, monitor your use of anything with a light emitting screen: TV, lap top, cell phone, electronic reading device, etc.  The brighter the light and the closer you hold it to your eyes (as we are apt to do with cell phones) the more potentially disruptive the light can be to your whole system.

A poor night’s sleep can affect everything the next day:  your mood, your focus, your energy.  Do yourself a favor and leave at least 1-2 hours before bedtime free from electronics.  Give yourself a few days to see if your melatonin begins to kick back into gear and you have better sleep.

For other self-care tips, please visit the EAP and let a counselor assist you in some new ideas that are customized for YOU.  Make 2015 the year you finally achieve this New Year’s Resolution!

Similar Posts

  • Can’t Sleep?

    If you are having trouble sleeping, please join us to hear an important presentation on December 8, Tuesday at noon. Almost everything you’ll ever need to know about sleep -What sleep is -Why sleep matters -How to get a good night sleep Emerson M. Wickwire, PhD, ABPP, CBSM, FAASM who is an Assistant Professor in…

  • Free- Depression Screening

    In honor of National Depression Screening Day, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is offering a free depression screening for UMMS employees and family members. Screenings will be brief, private, and confidentially reviewed by an experienced EAP counselor on site. The screening will take 5-10 minutes.  If needed, recommendations and/or referrals can be made for you…

  • Want to Improve your Memory?

    PHYS ED Gretchen Reynolds on the science of fitness. Two new experiments, one involving people and the other animals, suggest that regular exercise can substantially improve memory, although different types of exercise seem to affect the brain quite differently. The news may offer consolation for the growing numbers of us who are entering age groups…

  • National Public Health Week

    National Public Health Week 2019 kicks off 4/1/19! Attend events and join in on conversations about focused on the 2019 theme:“Creating the Healthiest Nation: For Science. For Action. For Health.” The Wellness Hub at UMB will be hosting events throughout the week designed to engage and inform on key public health issues in your local…

  • Stress Can Interfere with Sleep

    How Can I Sleep Better? Stress often interferes with sleep, which then can make the next day more difficult to manage.  If this continues, it can lead to depression, anxiety, irritability, and forgetfulness.  Many anti-depressants are effective because they help people sleep better. Some people want to try natural ways to increase sleep and then…

  • Mental Health Month 2019

    2019 marks the 70th year Mental Health Month has been observed. Educate yourself and others while raising awareness for mental health. Check out Mental Health America’s Mental Health Month Toolkit for more information on work life balance, animal companionship, spirituality, humor and social connection.