Sleep well!
Sleep well!
Sleep well!
Headaches and poor sleep go together like movie theaters and popcorn.
Even though they seem like completely different problems, they are often connected.
Reasons you should care about your sleep:
1. Sleep helps reduce how long your headaches last and how often you get them!
2. Sleep allows your body to heal and recover from stress.
3. Sleep strengthens your immune system and helps you stay healthy.
4. Sleep fills up your energy reserves and gives you more power!
Especially important for migraines!
Try to always go to bed and get up around the same time, even on weekends.
Your brain likes a regular rhythm!
In the last 10 to 20 years, many more children and teenagers have developed sleep problems.
Why?
You might not like the answer:
Researchers have found that many children and teenagers have worse sleep if they look at their cell phone, computer, or TV screen before going to bed at night. Because children had far fewer electronic devices 10 to 20 years ago, they used them less. They were able to sleep much better than you do today.
Find out why the screen is bad for your sleep here:
What the experts say
Many studies have shown that the blue light from screens (e.g., phone, tablet, computer, TV) has a harmful effect on sleep quality and length. This light stops our bodies from releasing its own sleep hormone, “melatonin.” Melatonin is what tells your brain that it is getting tired and that it is time to sleep. Without melatonin, sleep gets disrupted. That’s why it’s important to turn off all screens at least 30 minutes before your bedtime.
In recent studies, researchers have found that even using a blue light filter on our devices does not improve sleep.
Other things that can disrupt your sleep:
- Drinking caffeinated drinks, such as soda, energy drinks, coffee, and black tea, even if you drink them hours before bedtime
- Sleeping (or napping) for many hours during the day
- Sleeping in a bright and warm room
- Not getting enough exercise during the day
- Thoughts and worries that don’t allow you to rest
- Having irregular sleeping hours
- Eating late meals
What is good sleep?
How many hours of sleep do you need to feel refreshed in the morning? What can you do to improve your sleep? You can find an overview here:
What about you?
Click below to continue and find out if you are a good sleeper and discover your sleep score.
Manage your headaches
Click below to go back and review what else you can do to manage headaches.