According to the National Sleep Foundation, “insomnia is the most common sleep complaint among Americans,” occurring at a higher rate in women and older people. Conditions range from acute to chronic, but in all cases people experience an inability to fall or remain asleep. “Inadequate sleep,” the NSF article goes on to say, “can result in fatigue, depression, concentration problems, illness and injury.” Indeed, proper sleep is as necessary as a good diet and exercise.
What can be done for the 74 percent of adult Americans who report having sleep problems a few nights a week or more? To begin with, they can look to the list of healthy sleep tips posted on the National Sleep Foundation’s website. Right after maintaining a regular sleep and wake schedule they suggest establishing “a regular, relaxing bedtime routine such as soaking in a hot bath or hot tub and then reading a book or listening to soothing music.”
This recommendation is further supported by the findings of a 2002 article in the International Journal of Nursing Studies, which concludes that a warm evening bath facilitates sleep for otherwise healthy elderly individuals suffering from insomnia.
And if you are already a pretty good sleeper, that’s great. A hot evening soak will promote relaxation and restful sleep in anyone, insomniac or not.