How the pandemic could be contributing to your insomnia

COVID-19 has without a doubt taken a toll on our mental health and with that, a lot of self-care practices and healthy routine habits. Anxiety is at an all-time high and as a result no one is sleeping well. According to a 2016 survey from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one-third of adults were getting a minimum of seven hours of sleep per night. With most people spending more time at home, there has never been a better time to focus on sleep!

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Our bodies are wired to not sleep when a perceived threat is present - which means for the better part of 2020, it could be argued that no one has been sleeping well. Experts say that a pattern of poor sleep can lead to weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression. While insomnia typically only affects 10-14 percent of us each year, it could easily be assumed that the pandemic will make that number climb.  

So, what can we do to sleep better and say goodbye to insomnia for good? 

  • Take breaks from zoom calls and screen time, especially as bedtime approaches

  • Exercise regularly 

  • Drink lots of water

  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine

If you can't fall asleep within 15-30 minutes, try getting out of bed and walking around. Remember, in times of stress and crisis sleep matters more than ever. If you need to make sleep more of a priority, check out these 5 tips.

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