Thursday, August 16, 2007

Article - sleep patterns

I guess I'm among the 1 million people that the article below says have sleep problems (although I don't have it every day), & technology is a significant contributor to this. I can think of some friends who are also in the same boat as me.

For me, not only is technology (internet, including YouTube, blogging, etc) causing me to sleep less, it also eats away at my Quiet Time. In fact, it takes over my Quiet Time! Sad, but true.

And oh, look at the sleeping tips below. Let's run through them, shall we, & see how it applies to me.

Go to bed at same time - Nope, it varies every day, but I may try, though.
Have a fixed pre-bed routine - Brushing me teeth? Yeah, that's what I do before sleep.
Switch off mobile phones - I don't, but then I seldom get calls late at nite. Oh, except for once, the night before an exam, a friend called me just minutes before midnight! I will never forget that.
Avoid technology before bed - That's fine, no worries here. I already avoid that - but that's because I use technology before I brush my teeth.
No pets in the bedroom - No problem! I don't have pets, & never will have any. Ever.
Have the same wake-up routine - Brushing my teeth?

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Sleep patterns
Tuesday August 14, 2007


Sleep experts are warning that modern life, with all its technological trappings, is depriving people of sleep.

Sleep specialist Dr Sean Tolhurst joins TODAY to offer tips on how to develop a better sleep routine.

"More than a million Australians suffer from insomnia or other sleep disorders," reveals Dr Tolhurst.

"There are several factors," he says, "but TV, mobile phones and the Internet are the prime offenders in the plague of sleep deprivation affecting Australians.

"The demands on our lives are becoming greater as we get busier and the first casualty for most of us is usually sleep.

"There are several side effects of sleep deprivation. Obviously being tired is a major one, as well as an increased risk of motor accidents, mood alteration, increased chance of separation or divorce.

"Substance abuse is also a side effect, ranging from caffeine through to stronger substances like amphetamines.

"Sleep deprivation doesn't just affect those in the working world, but people across the board, from teens through to young adults, though the reasons people's sleep patterns are affected vary."

There are several steps that can help increase productive sleep time, according to Dr Tolhurst.

"Go to bed at the same time each day," he says." Have a fixed pre-bed routine and have the same wake-up routine.

"Switch off mobile phones and avoid technology before bed. Not only does this stimulate your mind, but also acts as a distraction from sleep."


Dr Tolhurst's sleeping tips:

  • Go to bed at same time
  • Have a fixed pre-bed routine
  • Switch off mobile phones
  • Avoid technology before bed
  • No pets in the bedroom
  • Have the same wake-up routine

http://today.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=286220



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