WHAT?!: Not Getting Enough Sleep Makes You Act Drunk

Shutterstock

It’s not news: Losing out on a good night’s sleep can make you feel all kinds of crazy, lazy and grumpy-toddler-ish. And according to this new video by AsapSCIENCE, not getting enough rest also makes you act drunk. Seriously! Researchers found that folks who got just six hours of sleep each night over the course of two weeks had the same reaction time as a legally drunk person. One word: yikes.

Along with making you feel like you’ve spent all morning downing mimosas, over time, lack of sleep also negatively impacts cognitive function and ups risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Obviously, none of these conditions are on anyone’s wish list, but what’s a gal to do if she just can’t stop tossing and turning? Well, we found five science-backed tricks that can be helpful in the snooze department. So read up and rest easy, friends.

1. Keep cool.
via The New York Times

Studies have shown keeping your thermostat between 60 and 68 degrees when you’re ready to hit the sack can help you doze off faster. How, you ask? This range of temperatures cools down your core body temperature, which, in turn, makes you drowsy.

2. Up your magnesium intake.
via Huffington Post

Many folks don’t get enough magnesium, which is crucial to the function of our brains’ GABA receptors, calming neurotransmitters that essentially switch the brain into the “off” mode. Some doctors suggest popping a magnesium supplement before bed to help put your brain to sleep.

3. Get your sweat on.
via Science Daily

A study done by researchers at the University of Sao Paolo found that performing moderate aerobic exercise significantly improved the sleep quality for folks with chronic insomnia. So, hitting a kickboxing class before you hit the sack could make for a better snooze session. (To avoid an adrenaline rush right before bed, make sure to exercise at least a few hours before you turn in for the night.)

4. Get Fluffy his own bed.
via Huffington Post

If you own a dog who somehow manages to occupy 75 percent of your queen-size mattress despite being a mere 17 pounds (my hand is raised over here), then this shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise to you: According to a study presented at this year’s annual SLEEP convention, 30 percent of pet owners who sleep with their four-legged friends wake up at least once every night because of their pet. If you can relate, it might be time for Fluffy to get used to the floor—or at least to his own tempurpedic doggie bed.

5. Stop and smell the lavender.
via Prevention

Research has shown that a whiff of lavender can ease anxiety and help with insomnia, and a recent study done by psychologists at Wesleyan University found that sniffing lavender essential oil for two minutes before bed increased slow-wave sleep, or deep slumber. Try placing a lavender diffuser on your nightstand for a better night’s rest.

Like what you’re reading? Stay in touch with Be Well Philly—here’s how:

• Like Be Well Philly on Facebook
• Follow Be Well Philly on Twitter
• Follow Be Well Philly on Pinterest
• Get the Be Well Philly Newsletter