Dr. Meghan MacKinnon ND Women's Health Naturopathic Doctor | Newmarket, Aurora, King City, East Gwillimbury, Keswick, Sutton, Georgina, Bradford, Richmond Hill
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Tips to Improve Sleep Hygiene

5/12/2011

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Why Am I Not Sleeping?
By: Dr. Meghan MacKinnon, ND
Markham Naturopathic Doctor
This is a very common question that many people have, because insomnia and poor sleep have so many causes.  While we sleep, our bodies recharge so that we are able to do all the things we need to do in our daily lives.  Poor sleep may be due to many things such as hormone imbalance, stress, sleep apnea or anxiety so it is important that you work with your Naturopathic Doctor to figure out why you are not getting a deep sleep.  Sometimes poor sleep is simply a result of what we call ‘poor sleep hygiene’,  referring to your sleep environment and what you do before you go to bed.  
Here are some naturopathic health tips to improve your sleep hygiene.

  • Stick to a Schedule. Going to bed and rising at the same time, even on weekends and holidays can help improve sleep.
  • Keep your bedroom cool. A drop in body temperature can stimulate sleep.
  • Keep it work free. The bedroom is for sleeping. Remove all other distracting items like the TV, computer, phone and exercise equipment.
  • Start winding down an hour before bedtime. Do some light reading, quiet conversation, gentle exercise or listen to soft music and avoid watching the news or stressful interactions after dinner.
  • Keep the room completely dark with good blinds/drapes and no lights. This will help with the production of melatonin, the main hormone for balancing sleep cycles.
  • Recognize when you need something more.  There are many simple things you can do to help with you sleep but sometimes using herbs and nutrients such as melatonin, Valerian and Passionflower to help with sleep is appropriate.  If supplementing, it is important to make sure you are taking something that is right for you and to be monitored by your naturopathic doctor. 

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Do you suffer from insomnia?

1/11/2011

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Sleep is the foundation of health, yet there are an estimated 3.3 million Canadians who either have trouble falling asleep or maintaining a deep sleep.  Insomnia can be difficult to define, however if it takes you greater than 30 minutes to fall asleep at night or if you frequently wake throughout the night you are likely suffering from a form of insomnia.  This can have severe consequences such as:

- Impaired concentration and focus affecting work and quality time with family and friends
- Decreased productivity at work 
- Difficulties losing excess weight
- Decreased attractiveness when compared to those that are well rested
- Reduced energy and brain fog
- Connections with many other health conditions


There are natural ways to help promote and initiate sleep to improve your quality of life.  For more information on how naturopathic medicine can get improve your sleep contact me to set up an appointment.

Dr. Meg, ND
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    Dr. Meg MacKinnon Naturopathic Doctor
    Aurora
    Newmarket
    King City
    Richmond Hill
    Holland Landing
    Sharon/ Queensville
    Bradford
    Keswick/ Georgina

    Meghan has a passion for supporting others achieve their health goals.  She provides optimal care for her patients by applying a scientific approach to all treatments, while investigating all other factors that contribute to health and well-being.


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