Sleep Tight with these Tips
By Kristin Rodin
Fun fact: you’ll spend about one-third of your life sleeping – or attempting to. There can be many reasons why you struggle to get a good night’s rest, but the fact remains, getting some shut eye can help you stay alert and feel good throughout the day. Consider trying out these tips to improve your sleep – and your health.
Why you need a sleep schedule
Maintaining a regular sleep schedule is a bigger deal than you might think. Keeping your internal clock consistent means your body can better regulate your mood and hunger throughout the day. Not only can following a schedule make it easier to fall asleep and wake up, but recent sleep studies indicate a regular sleep schedule can help lower the risk of heart disease.
Keep your bedroom peaceful
When it comes to improving your sleep, it all starts with your bedroom. Taking note of what bothers you at night can help you create a relaxing sleep environment and give you a better chance at a good night’s rest.
If lights are straining your eyes and disrupting your sleep cycle, invest in light blocking curtains or wear a sleep mask over your eyes. Foam ear plugs or white noise machines can help block out loud noises and are available in a variety of options in stores and online. Above all, listen to your body and adjust. Temperature and bedding can make a world of a difference in your sleep quality, so add blankets or turn on the fan as needed.
Relieve stress before bed
You’ve changed up your bedroom, now it’s time to change your routine. Pent up stress and lack of sleep can lead you to make some unhealthy choices. To get started, avoid caffeine later in the day and cut back on alcohol, as both of these can worsen your quality of sleep.
For stress relief, physical activity is a great option! Exercising in the evening can help relieve built up tension in the body, and yoga or meditation are great ways to practice mindfulness and focus on yourself rather than your stressors. For a low-impact way to relieve stress, try gentle breathing techniques. There are a number of different techniques to use, and these can also help alleviate anxiety.
You should always seek medical attention if you experience serious sleep problems, but your restlessness might be resolved with changes to your environment and routine. If counting sheep isn’t doing it for you, try out these tips to help improve your sleep and health tonight!
