The Blog

Welcome to Week 7 of Sweet Summer Habits ! This week, we’re diving into the crucial topic of sleep hygiene. Quality sleep is essential for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being, yet it’s often overlooked in our busy lives. Let’s explore how good sleep hygiene can help us achieve better health and vitality.

Weekly Athlete Spotlight

This week, we draw inspiration from American Sprinter Gabby Thomas, who emphasizes the importance of prioritizing sleep for athletic performance and overall health. Did you know even Olympic athletes have to prioritize sleep? American Sprinter Gabby Thomas prioritizes her sleep to be a better runner and stay healthy!  “…while I do prioritize my own sleep so that I can be one of the best runners in the world, it’s also because I’m very aware of the consequences of not getting good sleep now later in life.” Thomas said. Gabby’s commitment to prioritizing her sleep underscores the critical role of rest in achieving our goals and thriving in all aspects of life. Let’s follow Gabby’s lead and prioritize sleep in our pursuit of better health and well-being. Download this week’s activity sheet at www.itstimetexas/ssh.

Understanding the Importance of Sleep Hygiene

We’ll start by discussing why sleep hygiene is important for overall health. Quality sleep is vital for cognitive function, mood regulation, immune function, and physical health. We’ll explore the negative effects of poor sleep hygiene on our well-being and highlight the benefits of prioritizing healthy sleep habits.

Tips for Improving Sleep Hygiene: 

• Establishing a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
• Creating a relaxing bedtime routine to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.
• Designing a sleep-friendly environment by keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
• Limiting screen time and exposure to blue light before bedtime to promote better sleep quality.
• Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals close to bedtime, as they can disrupt sleep.

Common Sleep Disorders and When to Seek Help

Common sleep disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome, can impact sleep quality. If you’re experiencing persistent sleep problems that interfere with your daily life,  you should seek help from a healthcare professional.

Importance of Prioritizing Self-Care and Stress Management for Better Sleep

Stress and self-care play significant roles in sleep quality.  Mindfulness, meditation, exercise, and journaling can help reduce stress and improve sleep quality.

Practicing good sleep hygiene and prioritizing restorative sleep can enhance our overall health, energy levels, and quality of life. So let’s create bedtime rituals that promote relaxation, create a sleep-friendly environment, and prioritize self-care and stress management—because a good night’s sleep is the foundation of a vibrant and fulfilling life! Don’t forget to download the habit tracker sheet for this week!

Connect with our Telehealth Coaching team to work on your health goals!

Get active from the comfort of your home with one of our FREE Stronger Texas Fitness & Nutrition Classes!

Check out these additional resources to support your health journey this summer! 

• Read the “Create Better Health” Blog for more information on cooking healthy meals on a budget, buying and preparing whole foods, understanding food labels, practicing safety in the kitchen, and much more!
• Visit “Pick It! Try It! Like It!” for resources to use in the classroom or at home!
• Head to Myplate.gov to learn more about making healthy food choices!