3 Ways to Improve Your Summer Sleep

Like most people, you probably feel pumped up and excited for summer activities. There’ll be vacations, barbeques, festivals, and more! It’s enough to think that nothing about the season could ruin your mood. However, it would help if you kept in mind that summer can hurt sleep quality. Even if you’re living it up during these dog days, you might be tossing and turning at night. Therefore, your local sleep dentist is here to offer some advice. Read on to learn why this season can conflict with sleep and three ways to overcome the problem.

Causes of Poor Summer Sleep

There isn’t just one thing about summer that causes challenges to shuteye. Several factors could be getting in the way, including those below.

Your Bedroom is Too Hot

Summer means increased temperatures, and your body may have trouble adjusting to the shift in climate. If the season causes your bedroom to get overly warm, you will likely have trouble falling asleep. Even if you don’t, the heat can interfere with REM sleep and thus cut you off from the hormones your body needs for quality rest.

You’re Eating Late

When you eat, your body spends energy to convert food into energy or storage. This process causes an increase in your metabolic rate, which raises your body heat. This jump in temperature can then make it harder to fall asleep.

You’re Jetlagged

As fun as vacations can be, traveling for them can disrupt a healthy sleep routine. Getting used to a new time-zone involves having a new sleep schedule, resulting in “jet lag.” While the latter can last from days to weeks, it can be more or less detrimental depending on the person.

Tips for Better Summer Sleep

To get your good night’s sleep back, try adding these practices to your routine:

• Keep Yourself Cool: For a cooler bedroom, crank up the AC or use a fan that can move air through the space.
• Set a Regular Bedtime: Stay close to your original sleep schedule to support quality snoozing, even when you’re on vacation.
• Avoid Midnight Snacks: Try not to eat before bed, as this could keep you up later than you’d like. Don’t drink alcohol or caffeine, either, as these can affect your sleep patterns.

If you aren’t resting well, you may not have the energy to take advantage of summer opportunities. That said, follow the tips above to have fun in the sun!

About the Practice

Advanced Dental Solutions of Pittsburgh is based in Pittsburgh, PA. As led by Drs. Rairigh, Culver, and Sumzin, their team provides excellent dental work with modern technology and techniques. The practice’s treatments span preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, not to mention emergency procedures. To top it off, these services take place in a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach them at their website or by phone at (412)-854-2310.