Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Do you find yourself frequently falling ill or feeling under the weather? Well, those two things could actually be related. Dr. Vikki Petersen, Certified Clinical Nutritionist, Chiropractor and Functional Medicine doctor, offers a few tips for a more fruitful night’s sleep.

TIP #1: Try to get eight hours of sleep
Strive to get 8 hours of sleep per night at generally the same time each day. Studies have shown that those who get 6 hours or less are more likely to get sick than those getting adequate sleep. Try to be asleep by 10 pm. The hours of sleep that occur prior to midnight are more strengthening to your immune system than those after midnight.

TIP #2: Speak to your doctor about possible health issues 
If possible, find a clinician who can test you for “hidden” infections or toxins, including bacteria, parasites, viruses, heavy metals and mold. An overtaxed immune system due to unidentified infections or toxins will inhibit deep and restorative sleep.

TIP #3: Get plenty of vitamin D
Be sure to get your vitamin D level checked. Vitamin D has been well researched to protect you from a variety of diseases, including cancer and viruses, and therefore critical to immune health. It may also be associated with better sleep.

TIP #4: Knock the refined sugar habits
Try to eliminate, or drastically reduce, refined sugar from your diet. Sugar is the preferred fuel source for cancer cells, bacteria and viruses. You do not want to feed them and therefore make them stronger.