SPECIALIST SHARES TIPS FOR GETTING BETTER SLEEP; CUTTING BACK ON SCREEN TIME IS ONE WAY

(Photo: Emily Faber, Sinclair Broadcast Group)

TULSA, Okla. –

Many people are hoping to get better sleep in the new year. Local specialists say sleep is just as important as your diet and exercise.

Experts say not getting good sleep can affect everything from breathing to blood pressure and heart health.

Staff Ascension St. John’s Sleep Disorders Center says the most important thing for better rest might be adjusting your routines.

What are some recommendations for better sleep?

Experts say don’t go to bed hungry or very full, watch your screen time, and don’t drink alcohol and caffeine at night. They recommend sleeping in a cool, dark room.

These changes can boost mental clarity and prevent you from dragging throughout the day.

Of course, doctors still recommend seven to eight hours of sleep for most adults.

Mia Hilton at the Sleep Disorders Center suggests finding calming activities, doing regular physical activity, and not taking long daytime naps.

“People who have issues with their sleep and have sleep-disordered breathing often have a lot of cardiac issues later on in life. Atrial fibrillation, and congestive heart failure are the ones you see if these specific things aren’t treated, and you don’t continue to get good sleep,” Hilton said.

Hilton says many people take melatonin supplements to help with sleep, which is OK for young, healthy adults to take occasionally.

She suggests seeing a physician before taking any other home remedies.