When you’re experiencing a sleep problem it’s important to get the opinion of a professional on the subject. Dr. Robert Rosenberg has been diagnosing sleep issues for 30 years, and has compiled a list of the most common sleep mistakes his patients have been making. Do any of these habits sound familiar?
Sleeping less during the week, but stacking up on sleep on the weekends:
If you find yourself tired, irritable, and can’t focus at work, you probably aren’t getting the proper amount of sleep. Trying to stack up on sleep on the weekends doesn’t work. It actually disrupts your normal sleep-wake schedule, making it harder to get back on track during the week.
Getting your child tested for ADHD before testing them for a sleep disorder:
It is unfortunately too common that children are misdiagnosed with ADHD, when instead they may have sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome. It can be difficult for doctors to tell them apart, and improper diagnosis can make children’s sleep problems worse due when they are medicated for ADHD.
Not taking your sleep apnea seriously:
Many people don’t believe they snore, without some type of evidence. Trust your bed partner when he/or she complains about your loud snoring and pauses in breathing during the night. It can diminish your sleep quality and poses serious health conditions. Some people may not feel the effects of sleep apnea during the day, but it doesn’t make it any less risky.
Depending on that night cap to tuck you in:
The immediate sedative effects of alcohol are tempting, but several studies have been able to prove that alcohol disrupts your sleep as your body breaks it down. Of course, having another drink in the middle of night is just as bad.
Sleeping with the TV on all night:
Many people feel as though they can’t sleep without the TV on in the background so, you aren’t alone. However, those who sleep with TV on are more likely to have a harder time falling sleep and staying asleep.
It does take effort to practice healthy sleep habits but, the benefits are priceless. Learning about what works for you will keep you happy, healthy and productive. Boost your goals, relationships, work and overall being with more sleep!
agree, no tv in bedroom.
Good morning Ronald and thank you for your feedback! Keep up the great sleep hygiene and getting high-quality sleep!
Still using mattress from 20 years ago and it is still like brand new
That’s truly amazing Beth! As long as your mattress isn’t lumpy or uncomfortable in anyway, you are good to go! Thank you for sharing with us!
I need to try to go to bed at a decent hour on weekends due to me working 4pm – midnight mon – fri and my 20 mon old waking me up by 8-8:30 am no matter what day it is 🙂
Getting to bed on the weekends can be a challenge Misty but, we believe you can do it! It sounds like you have the perfect alarm clock to keep you from sleeping in too long. There are also really neat products on the market that teach kids about sleep, as they wind down at night and perform exciting actions in the mornings to let your child know it’s time to climb out of bed. Thank you for sharing with us!