Sleep is a universal human need, yet the pressure to succeed in today’s 24/7 world often leads to sleep deprivation. Sleep can be challenging when you have responsibilities and obligations that demand your time and energy. However, getting enough sleep is essential for optimal health. All adults require a minimum of seven hours of uninterrupted time in bed every night. Even if you are sleep-deprived, there are things you can do to improve your sleep quality and quantity. Here we look at some ways to help you get better rest and feel more refreshed when you wake up each morning.
Go to bed at the same time each night
If you are someone who routinely goes to bed at different times each night, this could be wreaking havoc on your sleep cycle and may be causing you to feel fatigued and lethargic during the day. If you find it difficult to fall asleep at a certain time each night, try to change your habits and behaviors as much as possible. For example, if you are a shift worker, try to have a consistent sleep schedule and avoid napping during the day as this may affect your ability to sleep at night.
Ditch the screens an hour before bedtime
It’s no secret that the blue light emitted from our devices and the light bulbs in our homes seems to shut down melatonin production, the hormone that helps us fall asleep. In fact, it’s estimated that 80% of us are exposed to too much blue light at night, which is especially common in people who work in an office environment and have to look at computer screens or use smart devices like smartphones. One way to combat the negative effects of blue light is to wear amber-colored glasses or an amber-tinted sleep mask an hour before bedtime. You can also make changes to your device settings so that the background of your computer or device screens is not blue.
Create a cozy environment for better sleep
Are you someone who loves to have a warm, cozy blanket to snuggle under while you’re watching TV in your living room? Or someone who needs to have a certain level of sound in order to fall asleep? Or maybe you find that the temperature of your bedroom is essential to helping you fall asleep. If so, that’s okay! Everyone falls asleep in different ways and in different environments. That being said, it’s important to create a comfortable and cozy environment in your bedroom that will make it easier for you to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. This may include changing the temperature of the room (keeping it slightly cooler than you would prefer while you’re awake), minimizing distractions like sound and light, and having your bedroom be as tidy and organized as possible.
Don’t eat before bed
Eating a heavy meal before bedtime is another common mistake that people make. Although you may feel like you need a full stomach at the end of each day, it’s best to not eat a large meal before going to bed as it can lead to indigestion and heartburn. If you regularly suffer from indigestion or heartburn, it may be a good idea to avoid eating before bedtime. You may also find that you are able to fall asleep faster and experience improved sleep quality if you don’t eat a big meal before bedtime. If you must eat before bedtime, try to avoid high-fiber foods that may cause gastrointestinal issues. You may also want to avoid spicy foods as these may cause heartburn.
Exercise regularly to get better sleep
Exercising regularly is a great way to help improve your overall health and mental well-being. Research has shown that regular exercise may also help improve sleep quality and quantity. Exercising before bedtime may actually help to improve the quality of your sleep. This is because exercise increases your core body temperature, which can then take a few hours to return to normal. Exercising at night, in the right amount, may actually help your core body temperature to decrease more quickly, allowing you to fall asleep more quickly and sleep more deeply.
Conclusion
Sleep is an essential part of our daily lives and improves our health in many ways. If you want to improve your health, you should make sleep a priority. Regularly going to bed at the same time, avoiding screens an hour before bedtime, creating a cozy environment for better sleep, and avoiding eating before bed can help you get better sleep and feel more refreshed when you wake up each morning. If you want to improve your health, make sleep a priority. Regularly going to bed at the same time, avoiding screens an hour before bedtime, creating a cozy environment for better sleep, and avoiding eating before bed can help you get better sleep and feel more refreshed when you wake up each morning. If you follow these tips, you are sure to have a more restful night’s sleep and feel great in the morning.