May is the month devoted to the thing you spend much of your workday fantasizing about, a good night's sleep. Better Sleep Month was created to encourage people to learn more about how to get a good night’s rest and why that is so important.
Why Is Sleep So Important?
The time you spend sleeping is the time your body spends rejuvenating. Your mood, your health and your ability to function at the highest level are all affected by the amount of rest you get each night.
For most people, 7.5 to 8.5 hours of sleep is considered optimal, but as many as 1 in 3 Americans are not getting that much on a regular basis. Over time, the lack of sleep can lead to high blood pressure, stress disorders, mood disorders, and feeling tired.
Not All Sleep is Restful Sleep
Even if you manage to spend 8 hours a day in bed, that does not necessarily mean that you are getting the rest your body needs to recharge. For some, they lay in bed but are unable to fall asleep or stay asleep.
For others, they fall asleep with no problem, but their sleep is restless and filled with tossing and turning. They may wake up feeling tired, as if they got no sleep at all. This may be caused by a mattress or pillows that do not offer they needed support, or it may be due to emotional or physical distress that makes restful sleep difficult.
How to Get a Better Night's Sleep
If you are struggling to get a restful night’s sleep, here are a few things you can try to make that happen.
- Create a night routine that promotes relaxation and stick to it every night
- Purchase a new mattress or pillows
- Avoid screen time immediately before bed
- Use yoga or other relaxation techniques to calm yourself before bed
- If insomnia is keeping you from getting enough rest, speak to your doctor about medications that may help.
Medications for Sleeplessness
For many, over the counter medications such as melatonin and Zzzquil are all they need to help them fall asleep and stay that way for the recommended 8 hours.
For others, prescription medications may be required There are many on the market, some with serious possible side effects so be sure to follow your doctor’s advice about how much and when to take them. A few of the many regularly prescribed sleep medications include:
How RxLess Can Help
Having a medication prescribed to help you sleep will do you very little good if you lie awake at night trying to figure out how to pay for it. You can use the RxLess prescription discount card at many local pharmacies, including the national chains like Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens. For more information about how to use our prescription savings search tool, or to find out more ways to boost your health and wellness, visit rxless.com.