In ancient Egypt, cats were regarded as
sacred and respected animals, admired and respected by all. In keeping with this ancient Egyptian tradition, in this blog we will from time to time consult with our Wampus Cat Mascots,
Paws and Tiger, to determine what we can learn from their wise ways.
Now, one thing that Tiger is very skilled at is getting enough sleep. Tiger gets plenty of sleep everyday and sleeps whenever he is tired. Like many cats, he can fall asleep anywhere:
What about you, Wampus Cats? Are you getting enough sleep? What about your Wampus Kittens? Are they having trouble waking up for early morning classes?
Let's consult a
source, and see how you can help yourself and your Wampus Kittens get a good night's sleep:
•Don’t go to bed hungry or full. Hunger and indigestion hinder sleep.
•Get regular exercise (3-4 times per week), but not right before you plan to go to sleep – mid-afternoon is best.
•Use your bed only for sleep. Avoid using it to study, eat, chat with friends, etc.
•Create the right environment. Make sure your room is dark and cool. Most experts agree cooler temperatures work best.
•Don’t nap. But if you have to, do it before 3 pm and for less than an hour.
•Eat (lightly) to induce sleep. Although you shouldn’t eat too much right before sleep, certain foods promote sleep. Such foods include the amino acid L-tryptophan, found in milk, turkey, and tuna; and carbohydrates, such as bread and cereal. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar.
•Take warm shower before bed.
•Read a book, or some other calm activity that relaxes you. Creating a relaxing ritual can help your body slow down in preparation for sleep.
•Set your body’s clock. Go to sleep and get up around the same time every day to set your body’s rhythm.
•Practice relaxation techniques before bedtime. Deep breathing and visualization techniques can help you relax and facilitate sleep.
•Avoid sleep-disturbing substances like alcohol and caffeine. Alcohol creates the illusions of good sleep but the architecture of sleep is affected adversely. Sleep is fragmented with deep sleep initially and a rebound of REM sleep later. Caffeine is a stimulant and reaches its peak effect in the first hour but with a half-life elimination of 3-7 hours. Caffeine is a potent sleep inhibitor and it increases sleep latency, night waking, decreases total sleep time, decreases slow-wave sleep, impairs overall sleep quality.
In the West Area Programming Office, we have a ready-to-use Bulletin Board in a Bag on Getting Enough Sleep. Feel free to make copies of it in the West Area Office to use for your own bulletin board!
Starting the year with good sleep habits can help you and your Wampus Kittens operate at your full potential and feel your best all semester long! Remember, a rested cat is a happy cat!
