During the pandemic, getting a good night’s sleep has reportedly been more difficult with reports of increased insomnia.

“Many people can successfully manage their insomnia without drugs or medications by following a few key habits,” says Dr. Andrew Lim, sleep neurologist at Sunnybrook.

Tips to help deal with insomnia:

• If you can’t fall asleep, don’t stay in bed. Get up and go into another dark quiet room and do something that doesn’t require bright light such as listening to the radio or reading by a dim light until you feel drowsy.
• Avoid screens such as smartphones or tablets which simulate the brain.
• Set your alarm and get up at the same time every morning. This routine will help your body develop a sleep rhythm.
• Avoid daytime naps. They can disrupt sleep patterns. If needed, don’t nap for more than 30 minutes.
• Limit caffeinated foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, and chocolate. Caffeine is a stimulant and may make it more difficult to fall asleep.
• Limit alcohol as it causes sleep to be more broken and less refreshing than normal.
• Try regular moderate exercise such as walking, swimming or bike riding. Being active can help improve sleep quality.
• Trouble sleeping over a long period of time may be a sign of other health issues. Reach out to a family doctor who can help provide support.

The post What to do if you can’t fall asleep appeared first on Your Health Matters.

We are so excited to launch our new web video series “I wish I knew then: Advice for Students”.

We’ve asked Sunnybrook’s expert staff in many health disciplines to reminisce about their school days, share some stories, and fill us in on the tips and tricks they’ve learned over the years that they wish they knew back then.

A huge thank-you to Vice-President of Education Dr. Joshua Tepper and Director of Nursing Education Leasa Knechtel who appear in our first video with some candid advice about (something that seems to be our favourite topic lately): sleep!

What do you think? Stay tuned for tips for a Sunnybrook sleep doctor for some practical tips on how to follow this advice. And, check back for more advice next week!

Who would you like to hear advice from? What about? Let us know!

The post I wish I knew then…advice for students from Sunnybrook pros appeared first on Your Health Matters.