According to the CDC, nearly a third of employed adults in the U.S. average less than six hours of sleep per night – much less than the recommended seven to nine hours. And getting your eight hours isn’t just a “nice to have” on your wellness checklist; it’s essential for optimal health. Sleeping less than seven hours per day is associated with an increased risk of developing chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and stress.

Nutrition

• Almonds contain the perfect blend of potassium, B vitamins, and protein. Potassium can help your muscles relax and improve your quality of sleep, and B vitamins can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, which interfere with sleep.
• Tart Cherries are packed with melatonin, which is a natural sleep-regulating compound. Drinking tart cherry juice has been shown to increase melatonin production and improve sleep. Plus, cherries contain many anti-inflammatory properties, making them a perfect sleep-boosting snack if you’ve done a tough workout that day.
• Chamomile Tea has been used for centuries for sleep issues. Chamomile tea activates your GABA A receptors, and in doing so, helps stimulate sleep. Plus, sipping warm tea is a soothing ritual that can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.

This is a preview of our Pinnacle Health Management Wellness Program toolkit. Employers can obtain our Wellness Program as an add-on, which includes quarterly wellness challenges, wellness toolkits and other educational resources, newsletters on popular health topics, and customized reports at the end of all wellness challenges. If you’d like more information, contact us at 866.930.7264 or at quotes@pinnaclehealthmanagement.com.