When it comes to falling asleep, it pays to get into the right habits, and even something as simple as brushing your teeth at night can help you fall asleep faster.
According to a doctor, skipping the nightly scrub can not only worsen your oral hygiene but also limit your chances of falling asleep.
The sleep specialist claimed that the ritual could actually help you get to bed faster.
In the Reddit thread Ask Me Anything, sleep specialist Dr. David Kuhlmann explained the logic to a restless sleeper seeking advice.
Skipping the nighttime habit of brushing your teeth can not only worsen your oral hygiene but also limit your chances of getting to sleep, according to a doctor
The specialist and spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) said good sleep hygiene is a great way to tackle insomnia
When asked what the most important sleep hygiene strategies are, he replied, “For me personally, the most important sleep hygiene technique that I use… brushing my teeth.”
He continued, “It signals to my body, ‘Hey, you know what’s next.’
For those who have trouble falling asleep, he explained that a dark, cold room is another important hygiene consideration.
Asking for more tips, the restless sleeper said, “What are some strategies (or medications) for problems staying asleep, not falling asleep.”
The doctor advised: ‘The purpose of sleep is not to become unconscious, but to wake up rested. Drugs can knock you out, but if you wake up feeling the same or worse, or have rebound insomnia, what’s the point?
‘Trouble staying asleep can be the result of insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea, so think about that. Also remember that it is normal to wake up during the night.
The doctor asked the Redditter to think further about three things: “Can you get back to sleep?”, “How long will it take?” and ‘Will it affect the next day?’
The sleep specialist replied to hundreds of comments on the Reddit thread from restless sleepers, advising them to turn off the TV before going to bed
The doctor explained that everyone wakes up during the night sometimes, but it’s how you deal with it that can determine whether it’s a problem or not.
The popular post has received thousands of comments from other sleepless users, all wanting a better night’s sleep.
A common way to fall asleep is to turn on the TV as background noise, but the doctor advised Dr. Kuhlmann against using the TV.
He said: ‘The reason I’m against falling asleep with a TV is that it’s a light source that requires active attention.’
But for sleepers who “really need” the help of a TV, he said, “I would recommend a radio because it is not a light source and does not require active attention.”
Sleep expert Dr. Shalini Paruthi weighed in, advising Reddit users that falling asleep in front of the TV is okay as long as they get a good night’s sleep.
However, she recommended looking away from TV, phones and tablets as the blue light emitted can slow down melatonin production and prevent you from falling asleep sooner.