Snooze and Lose - New Study

Why You Shouldn't Hit Your Snooze Alarm

It's the most tempting thing in the world - your alarm clock goes off to wake you up in the morning. You reach for the snooze button to get an extra few minutes of sleep. It's something you've likely done often as the daily ritual of getting up just a bit too early, staying up just a little too late and working just a few too many hours catches up to you.

But you shouldn't.

That simple act of getting back to sleep may be costing you mentally. Studies show the brain produces a "wake-up" neuron called orexin, designed to help you feel more alert in the morning. It combines with activity neurons that make it harder for you to fall back into the land of nod.

But hitting the snooze alarm doesn't always create the necessary cycle that allows them to both work together. And scientists say it appears that's why so many people appear "dozy" during the day - they simply didn't let the natural processes that involve waking actually happen. The result: a long hangover effect the more you hit that time delay switch.

best bet to stop the effects of too little sleep is to make sure you get the most from your down time. Here are some ways to do it:

• Establish regular bed and wake times.
• Avoid consuming alcohol near bedtime.
• Avoid caffeine in coffee, tea, colas after 4pm
• Don't use your bedroom for doing work or problem-solving. Use it only for sleep or sex.
• Take a hot bath before bed.
• Keep your bedroom cool.
• Place the bedroom clock out of reach and facing away. Looking at the clock can aggravate sleep problems.
• Have a light snack before bedtime: Foods rich in the amino acid tryptophan, such as milk and turkey, can help you sleep. But avoid heavy or fatty meals, which can cause acid reflux, too close to lights out.
• If you frequently wake up to urinate during the night, cut back on fluids near bedtime.
• If your partner snores, sleep in a separate bedroom or get a good pair of earplugs.
• If lying in bed and unable to sleep, get up and go back when you feel sleepier. Don't lie there stewing.
• Seek medical help if you can't sleep for long periods of time.

Source: CityNews.ca