sleep quality Archives - Be Well Solutions

Enhancing Your Sleep Routine for Better Rest

Getting enough quality sleep can seem like an elusive task these days. Implementing a bedtime routine will help you prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally for sleep. It consists of relaxing activities that ready your mind and relax your body so you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep. Practicing a bedtime routine enhances your sleep-wake cycle to create a habit of knowing when to sleep and when to wake. As you personalize your sleep routine to fit your needs and preferences, consider these tips to make it as successful as possible. Set a Bedtime Start by choosing a bedtime that can be around the same time each day and will give you adequate hours of sleep. Then, aim to begin your bedtime routine about thirty minutes or more prior. Even a shorter routine of 10 minutes can be beneficial to [...]

The Connection Between Stress and Blood Pressure

Stress affects the body in many ways, including blood pressure management. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, when left unmanaged, can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and more (American Heart Association1). Stress is acute or chronic, so each has a unique connection to blood pressure. Exploring these different connections will help us find healthier ways to manage stress and control our blood pressure. Times of Acute Stress Acute stress is typically emergent and temporary, such as slamming on your brakes in traffic to avoid an accident. Our body enters flight or fight mode to protect itself during an emergency. It naturally produces stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol to initiate specific body functions like increased heart rate, blood flow to muscles, and respiration. This reaction also temporarily raises blood pressure as a result. Responses like these are [...]