The 'Rest' of the Story

Getting a good night's sleep will make you a happier and healthier person, and will also improve your memory.

Retired Professor of Psychology Fred B. Chernow of St. John's University discussed in detail the benefits of good sleep habits during his presentation at the Syosset Public Library Thursday.

"Sleep is essential. Your mood and wellness are dependent on a good night's sleep," said Chernow.

There is a strong connection between memory and sleep. "When we are asleep, the body is at rest but the brain still functions. Even though our eyes are closed, we are watching our dreams and most people dream in color and most people clearly remember their dreams when they wake up," he said.

According to Chernow, there are two types of sleep–consolidated and fragmented. Consolidated is a long, continuous sleep, while fragmented is interrupted, one to two hours at a time per night.

"Most young people sleep like a rock throughout the night and that is why their memories are sharper, while older people keep getting up during their sleep, which affects their memory," he said.

In order to gain good sleeping habits, Chernow advises to follow these steps:

• Never go to bed hungry or full.
• Exercise: The fit sleep better than the flabby. Take a walk after dinner.
• Avoid stimulants like caffeine and alcohol.
• The bed is just for sleep. It is not an office, library or TV room. Don't use your bed to pay bills.
• Practice a relaxing routine before bedtime (i.e. warm shower, foot rub, yoga).
• Do not nap during the day more than 45 minutes, as it will throw your sleep schedule off.
• Drink a glass of warm or cold milk. Tryptophan is found in milk, which makes you sleepy.

If there are any snorers in the household keeping you from getting rest, Chernow makes this suggestion: Take a tennis ball, put it in a sock, pin the sock to the back of the snorer's night clothes, and since most people snore while sleeping on their backs, they will turn over immediately due to the discomfort of the tennis ball.

Audience member Dorothy Miller of Jericho found Chernow's tips for a restful night helpful.

"He is very knowledgeable," she said. "It's always good to learn something new, especially getting a good night's sleep."

Chernow is the author of seven books, including Memory Power and The Sharper Mind. He presents memory enhancement seminars at libraries throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.

"Plain and simple–being sleep deprived is not funny," Chernow said. "A good night's sleep will do great wonders for your life."