DRESS FOR SUCCESSFUL SLEEP
What to wear to drift off...and speed your way to slumberland
BY:MARY ELIZABETH TERZELLA
Wear "shades" in the evening.
At night, most of us are overexposed to artificial light, which contains a blue hue that suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone that causes drowsiness, says sleep specialist Rubin Naiman, PhD, professor of medicine at the University of Arizona. But special glasses that block only blue light can prevent artificial illumination from fooling your brain into thinking it's daytime when it's dusk, explains Dr. Naiman. Put them on two hours before bedtime, he advises. The remaining colors of light will allow you to go about your business as usual. You can find them online at www.lowbluelights.com.
Slip on socks before turning in.
Increases in the temperature of your feet send signals to the neurons in the brain that cause you to nod off, say Dutch researchers. Subjects fell asleep faster on nights when they put on socks just before lights out than when they went to bed barefoot.
Change into stay-cool sleepwear.
Night sweats a problem? Opt for PJs made from quick-drying fabrics designed to wick wetness away from the skin, so you stay cool and comfortable. The label may tout "moisture wicking" or "cool" fabric.