Simply Schnucks

Eat Good. Feel Great.

Recipes Step Challenge Gym Classes 10 Sleep Tips

Welcome to Simply Schnucks Magazine!

Each month, you’ll find delicious recipes, cooking tips and more. Look for a new issue right here every month.

START WITH A PLAN

Our company’s mission is to nourish people’s lives—it’s been the premise since Schnucks opened its first store. Thanks to your support and feedback, we are increasing our focus on wellness and promoting healthier choices as we believe it’s not only the right thing to do for our communities but that together we can create healthier generations. From partnerships with gyms to our healthy kids’ field trip program to removal of tobacco products from our stores, Schnucks is on a journey to better health—and we hope you will join us.

Registered Dietitian, Schnucks Director of Health and Wellness

Grab N' Go Breakfast

BREAKFAST RECIPES

LUNCH RECIPES

DINNER RECIPES

Afternoon Pick-Me-Up

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Text STEPS to 27126
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GYM CLASSES

STORE TOURS

Written by: Manoj V Waikar, MD

We have so many demands on our time that we often sacrifice sleep to fit everything in. But studies show getting quality sleep on a regular basis can benefit your heart, weight, mind and more. It’s vital to your well-being. Plus, all your hard work eating healthy and exercising can be undermined if you aren’t getting enough sleep.

Watch Video

ALL SLEEP IS NOT THE SAME

Brain wave patterns show four different “stages” of sleep. A healthy sleeper moves from stages of light sleep to heavy sleep to dream sleep (rapid eye movement; REM) in cycles that last about 90 minutes.

FOCUS ON QUALITY SLEEP

Deep sleep cleans your brain of pesky chemicals called somnogens that make you feel tired. Unfortunately, many things can diminish or even eliminate deep sleep: anxiety, depression, chronic pain, alcohol, certain medications and even just age itself. Do what you can to keep your deep sleep.

SKIP THE BLUE LIGHT SPECIAL

In today’s device-dominated world any conversation about sleep hygiene must address the impact of screens. Our brains are wired to initiate sleep when blue light fades from the sky. Use night mode or filtering apps for phones at least an hour before bedtime.

A NIGHTCAP CAN BE A NIGHTMARE

Sleep and alcohol don’t mix. The “sleep” you get while alcohol is in your system is not restorative sleep. I tell my patients who drink to try to have no alcohol in their system for at least one hour before sleeping.

SHIVER YOUR WAY TO GOOD SLEEP

I know the thermostat can be a point of contention, but in the bedroom there’s some evidence to consider. People tend to sleep better when the ambient temperature is lower. Give it a try. The cooler, the better.

DON'T MISS OUT ON YOUR DREAMS

Normally our sleep cycles show more deep sleep early in the night and more REM sleep toward morning. Deep sleep restores the body while REM sleep recharges the mind. Waking up too early day after day leaves you less sharp mentally and with fewer dreams.

TRUE OR FALSE?

Adults need less sleep as they age. FALSE. Adults’ sleep requirements don’t really change. But sleep efficiency declines with age. Adults get 30 minutes less sleep per night per decade after age 30. So as we age we should actually spend more time in bed to get the same amount of sleep.

SLEEP YOUR WEIGHT DOWN

When you don’t get enough high-quality sleep the appetite-stimulating hormone ghrelin increases and the appetite curbing hormone leptin decreases. Sleep deprivation can also increase cortisol levels, which can hamper your efforts to lose abdominal fat.

WHEN IN DOUBT, CHECK IT OUT

Sleep dysfunction is finally being recognized as a major obstacle to wellness. Many common sleep issues can be addressed easily. Don’t let poor sleep undermine your weight loss or wellness goals. Sleep well to live well.

SAWING LOGS?

Snoring is not normal. All too often snoring is associated with conditions like sleep apnea that prevent healthy sleep. Additional factors that can interfere with proper air movement while you sleep include congestion from alcohol, seasonal allergies, smoking and air temperature.