Sufficient sleep is vital for a healthy body and mind. In Shakespeare's time, people averaged nine hours' sleep a night. The age of electricity has reduced the average sleep time by two hours, which is too little for many of us to sustain our well-being. 'We live in a society here in Hong Kong that places little value on a phase before sleep called 'relaxation',' says Hong Kong sleep expert Graeme Bradshaw. 'Relax before bedtime from 9pm with reading, music, friendly conversation, or massage. It's not a great time for study, business phone calls, the internet or violent movies. The human body doesn't want to be stimulated after 8pm.' Here are some lifestyle tips for an enhanced night's sleep:
Music Therapy by Peter Hubner. Called medical resonance therapy music, it has inaudible frequencies behind the orchestral sounds.
Sleep in complete darkness.
When light hits the eyes, it disrupts the circadian rhythm of the pineal gland and production of melatonin and serotonin.
Exercise in the morning benefits moods and sleep.
Have some earplugs made for you. No stimulating TV or reading right before bed.
If you have cold feet, wear socks to bed.