Finally, some good health news for parents!
Researchers from Roehampton University studied 1,100 men and women to find out about their health and their sleeping habits. 13% of those studied got up before 7am and didn’t have a lie-in at the weekend – 6% of those studied didn’t get out of bed until 9am on weekdays and had a lie-in at the weekend. The remaining 81% were somewhere in between.
On analysing the study, the researchers revealed that the early risers have fewer signs of depression and anxiety, and were more likely to eat breakfast (something which has been linked to slimness).
Researcher Dr Jorge Huber said: 'These effects are small – and in some occupations and situations there are clearly advantages to being an evening person – but they are highly statistically significant.'
‘If you are an evening type, you are not necessarily a miserable person but there is some difference.’
What he did suggest is that going to bed late might mean you have a worse nights sleep.
In March 2007, the BBC reported the findings of a survey, which claimed to show that new parents lose a staggering two months of sleep in the first year of their baby’s life. Apparently, new parents can expect to lose up to 90 minutes sleep each night; this equates to a whole night’s sleep every week.
This is why you should be smiling to yourself next time your baby wakes you up before sunrise – you can repeat the mantra – I’m slimmer, happier and healthier!
Five tips to getting a good night’s sleep
1. Exercise
A proven fix for insomnia. Exercising your body means you will sleep better at night as your body and your mind will be tired.
2. Sex
Lovemaking is the perfect exercise and an orgasm before bedtime will send you on your way to sleep.
3. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol
If you must drink tea or coffee, make sure you don’t drink it in the afternoon or evening.
4. Relax
Warm baths, a good film to watch or some light reading can help you to wind down. Ask your partner to rub your feet or back gently to help you.
5. Ventilate your bedroom
Make sure there is adequate air in your bedroom at night. No Baltic breezes necessary, but stuffy, airless environments is bad news for a good sleep and may give you a headache.
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Mothercare
ELC
