What should be avoided in the hour leading up to bedtime to improve sleep quality?

What should be avoided in the hour leading up to bedtime to improve sleep quality?

• A. Regular exercise
• B. Reading
• C. Stressful activities
• D. Listening to calming music

Answer: (C)

Avoiding stressful activities in the hour leading up to bedtime is crucial for improving sleep quality. Engaging in activities that induce stress can lead to heightened levels of anxiety and physiological arousal, making it difficult for the body and mind to transition into a restful state. Stressful activities can increase heart rate and cortisol levels, both of which are detrimental to falling asleep and maintaining deep sleep cycles. In contrast, regular exercise can actually aid in sleep when done at appropriate times, and reading can be a calming pre-sleep ritual, provided the material is not overly stimulating. Listening to calming music, similarly, can help set a peaceful atmosphere conducive to relaxation and sleep. These activities can help lower stress levels and prepare the body for rest, highlighting the importance of choosing calming, non-stressful activities in the hour before bedtime.

Avoiding stressful activities in the hour leading up to bedtime is crucial for improving sleep quality. Engaging in activities that induce stress can lead to heightened levels of anxiety and physiological arousal, making it difficult for the body and mind to transition into a restful state. Stressful activities can increase heart rate and cortisol levels, both of which are detrimental to falling asleep and maintaining deep sleep cycles.

In contrast, regular exercise can actually aid in sleep when done at appropriate times, and reading can be a calming pre-sleep ritual, provided the material is not overly stimulating. Listening to calming music, similarly, can help set a peaceful atmosphere conducive to relaxation and sleep. These activities can help lower stress levels and prepare the body for rest, highlighting the importance of choosing calming, non-stressful activities in the hour before bedtime.