We recently contributed to an article on HCF’s Health Agenda on the topic of ‘Best Treatments for Insomnia in Women’. HCF is Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund and we are proud to have been a part of this alongside Dr Lillian Nejad, clinical psychologist. Credit to Nicola Conville who penned the article.
You can read the whole article here.
Here’s some quick insights and tips from the article!
Women are more likely to experience insomnia than men, due to hormones and higher rates of anxiety and depression. Struggling to sleep? Here are some expert tips.
How does insomnia affect your body?
A chronic lack of sleep can impact your daily functioning, emotional wellbeing and physical health, causing you to feel mentally and physically tired during the day. It can also have long-term consequences for your physical health.
“There is substantial evidence that shows insomnia can lead to hypertension and cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity,” says Deb Herdman, a registered nurse and sleep practitioner.
“Sleep is one of the three pillars of health along with exercise and nutrition. It can be difficult to maintain health when tiredness impacts your desire and motivation to eat well and exercise.”
Lifestyle treatments for insomnia
Improving your sleep hygiene by making some modifications to your lifestyle can also help and can work hand in hand with psychological or pharmacological treatments.
Dr Nejad has these suggestions, which help your body and mind prepare for the best sleep conditions:
- going to bed and waking up at the same time every day
- reducing or cutting out caffeine
- minimising your alcohol intake and avoiding it at night
- exercising regularly
- exposing yourself to natural sunlight in the morning
- creating a healthy bedtime routine by dimming the lights in the evening, limiting screen time and listening to soothing music or a guided meditation.
If you would like to know more, view the article on HCF’s website here.
Sweet Dreams,
Deb Herdman
