SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) – Stress is often high at this time of the year resulting in the inability to get a good night’s sleep.

When you cut down on total sleep time, studies show it can result in overeating, weight gain, and worse yet, increased mortality. Health expert, Karen Owoc, has tips to get more sleep. 

  1. Catch Up On Lost Z’s: Lack of enough sleep can accumulate over time. The amount of sleep you need and the amount of sleep you get results in being in sleep debt. Tack on extra hours of sleep time each night until you feel you are caught up.
  2. Work Out By Day: Get into a regular exercise routine. Take a walk outside before dinner. Save the higher intensity workouts for day time to avoid re-energizing right before you’re supposed to be winding down.
  3. Stretch By Night: Tense muscles are shortened making them tight. Elongating the muscle fibers will help you relax. Focus on muscles in the neck, shoulders, upper and lower back, and even your face. Use all your senses, so stretch in a soothing quiet setting, visualize something calming, and try aromatherapy.
  4. Stay on a Schedule: Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. It helps if your bedroom is dark, cool, and quiet. Consider earplugs to block out noise. Wear a sleep mask. When the brain senses pure darkness, it produces melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain and regulates sleep and wakefulness. Melatonin supplements are available over-the-counter. If you take medications though, talk with your doctor before taking a melatonin supplement.
  5. Sleep Naturally: Try non-caffeinated chamomile tea or aromatherapy. Lavender produces slight relaxing and calming effects when inhaled.
  6. Drain Your Brain: Try to block out daily “worry time” before bed. If you need to check emails, pay bills, or plan your schedule for the following day, do so right after dinner–not right before bedtime.
  7. Keep Naps Short: Occasional short naps are okay but avoid napping too late in the day. Also, keep them short.
  8. Avoid Hidden Sleep Thiefs: Caffeine has a half-life of five to six hours. Coffee can wreck sleep, but caffeine also lurks in soft drinks, tea, and chocolate. Beware of some medications, such as decongestants, which can make some people feel jittery and have trouble sleeping.
  9. Be Wary With Pain: You may want to consider taking a nighttime pain reliever to help you doze off but consult your doctor if pain commonly keeps you up at night. Also,some common over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers contain caffeine.

 The Takeaway: Establishing new sleep habits takes practice and discipline, but the health pay-off is big. Try one new sleep tip each week.