Get Back to Dreaming With a Consistent Sleep Schedule

By Donna Stark

Have you been working crazy shifts at work or traveling across the globe lately? Or do your children wake you up repeatedly throughout the night? There are a lot of reasons why your sleep schedule may be off, and there are just as many reasons of how it can impact your days, but that doesn't mean you can't get it back on track! If you have developed an unhealthy sleep schedule and are finding it difficult to function in your everyday life, don't worry! There are several steps you can take that will get you back to the land of dreams you miss so much.

Getting Sleep Back on Track

One of the biggest predictors of how successful your day will be is how much quality sleep you got the night before. But what can you do when your sleep schedule is completely out of whack? Well, here are a few suggestions that you can try. 

• Adjust your bedtime - If you are interested in gaining more sleep by going to bed earlier at night, keep in mind that patience is key. Don't make the mistake of going to bed an hour or two earlier from the very beginning because you may just end up lying there, fully awake and completely frustrated. Instead, do it slowly and adjust your earlier bedtime by 15-minute increments every other day.
• Skip the naps - Even if you feel exhausted, avoid taking any naps throughout the day as they can interfere with your ability to go to sleep at night and consider some physical activity during that time instead! The exercise will get your blood pumping and will help you save all of that fatigue you are feeling for bedtime, when it is more appropriate.
• Get up in the morning - Set your alarm for the same time each day, don't hit snooze, and above all, do not sleep in on the weekends! Being consistent is vital with getting your sleep schedule back on track so make sure you follow through with this. And if you have a hard time getting out of bed still, find something that will motivate you to do so.
• Avoid stimulation - There are some things that you should avoid in the evening if you are looking to get a great night of sleep. Heavy meals, caffeine, alcohol, exercise, and technology are some of the things that can stimulate your mind and body just enough that sleep will be hard to come by. So start the night off right and create a calming bedtime routine at least an hour before you go to bed.

Quality Sleep for Productive Days

Changing your sleep schedule isn't always easy, but with the proper steps and the right amount of discipline, it can be done. Happy dreams!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Denver, Colo.