Specialist offers tips

Dr. David Brodner, a world-renowned sleep specialist whose two studies were presented at the 2019 SLEEP Conference (a joint meeting between the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society), says a growing number of Americans are suffering from sleep deprivation. In fact, the number has almost reached epidemic proportions.

He offers these tips for better sleeping:

• Prepare for bedtime: Create a routine to help your body unwind from the stress of the day.
• Disconnect from electronic devices: Your body also needs to recharge during the night, so unplug. Find other ways to relax in preparation for sleep.
• Set the stage: Prepare your room as if it were a sanctuary of sleep; blocking the light and finding ways to reduce outside noise can go a long way.
• When needed, consider taking a melatonin supplement: This is the body’s natural sleep ingredient and is available as an over-the-counter solution.

Dr. Brodner’s studies confirmed that a continuous release and absorption melatonin helped more than 78 percent of study participants go to sleep and remain asleep more than seven hours.