5 Tips for Better Sleep That You Can Use Tonight
By Genevieve Cunningham
Sleep. You know you need it. In fact, most people need more sleep. We’re just so busy and amped up and constantly on the move. It’s hard to wind down and sleep when the time comes. Add to that our lack of inactivity, excessive stress, and hours spent in front of electronic devices, and you have the perfect recipe for insomnia. So what can we do? Learn to deal with the exhaustion? While this is sometimes necessary, the better choice is to learn better sleeping habits. If you’re ready to get a little more sleep and boost your health, take a look at these tips for improving your rest.
Make It Cold
The body likes colder temperatures for sleeping. When it’s too hot, it’s almost impossible to relax enough to fall asleep. About an hour or so before bedtime, turn down the temperature in your house, or even just in your room, and you may find it a lot easier to fall and stay asleep. It’s easy, costs very little extra, but may have you sleeping better than ever.
Turn Off the Lights
We’ve gotten used to sleeping with lights. Even if we turn off the main light, we may still be bombarded with light from the TV, electronics, or other similar devices. Just turn it all off! Even though we’re used to it, the light is likely keeping us from sleeping as deeply as we need. This might take some getting used to, but learning to sleep in the dark can improve your sleep in a big way in the long run.
Stretch First
Sometimes the body is simply too tight to relax. Before you get into the bed, get in a good stretch. This allows for pain relief, pulls oxygen to the muscles, and improves the way that your body feels as a whole. It doesn’t have to be a lengthy, extensive stretch either. Just get a quick 10-minute stretch, and you might find that your sleep just gets better and better.
Drink Something Warm
A warm drink can soothe both the body and mind. Steer clear of coffee or other stimulants, and instead choose something like herbal tea, lemon water, or even warm milk. When consumed before bed, these kinds of drinks can be both calming and tiring. Make them a part of your routine to feel the full benefit to your sleep and your life.
Release Some Stress
Stress keeps far too many people awake at night. If you’re among the massively stressed, it’s time to take part in evening stress relief. For some, this means a session of yoga or a vigorous run. For others, it’s a hot shower or an hour on the patio with a good book. Do whatever it takes to calm your nerves and lower your stress, and you’ll probably find your sleep improving in no time.
If you’re tired of being tired, it’s time to do something about it. It’s time to get more sleep and feel more like yourself every day. Use these tips to help you get moving in the right direction. With a little patience and some self-care, you may be able to improve your sleep, health, and life before you know it.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Ventura, Calif.