Tips For Better Sleep
Our modern culture is always nudging us to do more. But as we pack more work, obligations and activities into our schedules, we risk missing out on a good night’s sleep. Adequate sleep is harder to come by than ever, thanks to all the distractions and responsibilities that fill our waking hours. We’re going to bed later, waking up earlier and having a harder time falling asleep once the head hits the pillow. Sleeping well has become something of a lost art.
That’s too bad, because more than just your mood is at stake if you don’t get enough quality rest. Beyond waking up foggy and groggy, prolonged periods of sleeplessness can lead to health problems including obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Even if you take care of your body with proper diet and exercise, poor sleep hygiene can have a negative impact on your overall fitness. Some of the most common bad sleep habits include going to bed too late, abusing the snooze button and spending too much time glued to a screen. If you’re concerned that your bedtime routine isn’t getting the job done, here are some tips for better sleep you can use to get the rest you need.
Learning How to Sleep
Although sleeping well is something we’re born to do, it’s easy to fall out of practice. Here are some pointers you can use to put yourself back on track:
-
Keep a routine — Going to bed and waking up at the same times every day are important for maintaining your body’s internal clock. When you stay up late on weekends or lounge in bed too long in the morning, your circadian rhythm can have a difficult time adjusting. That’s why keeping more or less the same hours all the time is one of the best methods of sleep support.
-
Create the right environment — Your bedroom should be a place that encourages your mind and body to relax and slow down. You can help accomplish this by ensuring that it’s dark, cool and quiet when you lie down for the night. If you find yourself compulsively checking your clock, put it where you can’t see it. Setting your phone to “do not disturb” mode will prevent you from being distracted or interrupted by texts or alerts.
-
Schedule your workout appropriately — You might believe that working out just before you turn in for the night will ensure that you’ll be exhausted and able to drift off quickly. In reality, exercise cranks up your body’s metabolism and temperature, which can make it more difficult to relax and fall asleep. This is why it’s better to work out earlier in the day, so you have a chance to cool down completely before bedtime.
-
Don’t force it — One of the best ideas for natural sleep support also may be one of the most counterintuitive. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, get out of bed. Try reading a chapter of a book, listening to some gentle music or meditating. Forcing yourself to stay in bed only compounds your anxiety and creates a vicious cycle. Just be sure to stay away from bright lights and electronic devices.
- Try a sleep spray — With a combination of melatonin and other ingredients aimed at helping you rest, a natural sleep spray can offer the help you need to wind down and improve your sleeping patterns. Complete Nutrition has this and many other products that can improve your quality of life in a number of meaningful ways, so click on the link to learn more.
Life has a habit of getting in the way of our best-laid plans, but you shouldn’t let a good night’s rest be one of them. Follow this advice, and you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready for whatever challenges the day has in store for you.