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Even if you have never been sick as a result of COVID-19, this highly infectious virus is having an impact on every person around the world. From reformatting the way you work to making a face mask a part of your daily attire, this pandemic is causing stress, anxiety, and worry, all of which can result in chronic fatigue because of lack of sleep. But what can you do when there’s no definitive answer as to when the virus will no longer be a threat? A sleep dentist in Powell provides a few tips to help you start getting better sleep and worry less about a COVID-19 future.
1. Maintain a Normal Schedule
Even if it seems impossible because you want to catch as much of the news as possible to stay abreast of what’s happening throughout the world, it is important that you stick to a normal schedule. This means waking up and going to bed at the same time every day. Napping can throw you off your routine if you’re not careful, so try to minimize the number or length of your nap as much as possible. By sticking a regular schedule, your body will be less likely to experience difficulty functioning throughout the day.
2. Limit Your Caffeine and Alcohol Consumption
Stress can often cause a person to desire an alcoholic or caffeinated beverage. If you tend to reach for a bottle of wine or a cup of coffee to “detox” from a difficult day, try to avoid doing this moving forward. Why? Because caffeine and alcohol will not provide positive results. In fact, coffee or soda can make you more antsy, not allowing you to fully relax. Alcohol may help you fall asleep, but take note, it will not be a restful night. Instead, depending on how much you drink, you may wake up with a pounding headache and horrible hangover.
3. Avoid Technology of Any Kind Before Bed
It is no secret that cell phones, televisions, tablets, and all other electronics can cause you to experience difficulty sleeping. The blue light that is emitted from these devices suppresses melatonin, which is vital to ensuring a healthy sleep cycle. While it may be difficult, especially if you are stressing about what is happening concerning the pandemic, try to turn off any electronic device at least 90 minutes before you go to bed. This will allow your body and brain to slow down and prepare for a healthy night’s rest.
4. Remember All the Goods Things Happening in Your Life
COVID-19 might have you thinking non-stop about all the bad things that can potentially happen as a result of this virus, but it is important that you take the time to remember all the good instead. It’s not easy waking up each day realizing that the “new normal” requires wearing a mask and avoiding contact with those you love, but if you focus instead on the positives, this will improve your mood and decrease your anxiety levels. Whether it is spending time on a new hobby, calling a friend or family member, or exercising to improve your health, these can help you refocus your attention on all the goods things in your life. As a result, this positive mindset will carry over into your dreams, allowing you to remain in a deep cycle of sleep and wake refreshed in the morning.
Managing stress isn’t always easy, but if you try the following above and continue to experience issues, contact your sleep dentist in Powell to discuss treatment options that will help you get the rest you need and deserve.
About the Author
Dr. Shelley Shults understands the toll stress can take on the mind and body. As she works to help individuals get the rest they need to successfully function every day, a pandemic like COVID-19 can cause even those without regular sleep issues to lie awake at night. Whether you or someone you love is having difficulty sleeping throughout the night because of worry and stress, contact us at (614) 396-9310, and let us help you.