In my previous blog about distractions, the statistics of the thousands of times most of us touch our phones a day is staggering. Here is another sobering one by the same market researcher- Dscout. 50% of consumers check their phones in the middle of the night.

This makes sense given we are a sleep deprived culture. I see it in my client practice daily. Sleep falls securely under the category of life coaching because it is essential to optimum health, well being (both emotional and physical) and for proper productivity. And, I am about to make a strong case for why we need to address this deficit.

Repairing a sleep issue is not a quick fix and requires a multi pronged approach. Patience and diligence is key. Like any skill, it can be built. There is mounting evidence that 7-8 hours of slumber a night is correlated with slowing the progression of Alzheimers disease. It appears that improper sleep time promotes the development of dementia. A study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg school of public health linked poorer sleep levels in people over 70 with higher levels of beta amyloid- a brain plaque that indicates Alzheimers.

Toxins build up in our brains during waking hours. And amazing cells in the brain called glia clean these toxins when we get a 7-8 hour block of sleep. So, think of those cells as the custodians of our brains that need a full shift to get the job done right. It explains why Alzheimers is sometimes referred to as a dirty brain disease. If sleep can clean the brain, I want a clean brain. I bet you do, too!

Things that disrupt a good night’s sleep include caffeine, worry, anxiety, lack of exercise and electronic use too close to bedtime. The blue light emitted from electronics suppresses melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, more than any other artificial light. This according to Harvard Medical school.

It is extreme to suggest that we stop using devices that emit blue light altogether. A gentler approach is to stop exposure 30-60 minutes before bedtime. We can do other things to help with what is called sleep hygiene. Creating a calming nightly ritual can become a safe haven of as we wind down. One of my clients uses soothing essential oils and my experience has mirrored her results. Some people swear by reading for near instant shuteye. In my cold Chicagoland winters, a microwaveable heating pack draped across the neck and shoulders starts to put my body in relax mode.

Be creative. Discover what can work for you and your current lifestyle. The success rate is high when my clients are motivated to repair their sleep.

Back to Dscout marketing. 40% of consumers touch their devices within 5 minutes of waking up. I am 100% on board with this practice because the blue light has an awakening effect.

Blue Light at night. Sleep is a fright.

Blue when you rise. Bright, restful eyes.