4 Tips for Better Sleep
By Donna Stark
The start of your mornings is often a huge indicator of how your day will go and is usually dependent on the quality of sleep you had the night before. If you are waking up feeling frazzled, tired, and completely out of sorts, sleep disruptions could be the culprit, but what can you do about it? Well, you may need to experiment a bit with some simple changes to your lifestyle. Here are some suggestions that will ensure you are getting the rest you need.
Increase Natural Light
Being exposed to natural light throughout the day can help you maintain a healthy circadian rhythm, your body's natural clock. It's what tells you to stay awake during the day and to sleep at night. Natural light exposure can also help improve your energy throughout the day which may increase your fatigue during the evening and help you fall asleep faster.
Be Consistent With Your Nighttime Routine
Nighttime routines can help reduce stress, boost memory, and improve productivity and performance during the day. It's important to set a time when work and technology are put away so rest and relaxation can begin. You want to give your body plenty of time to unwind and recover from the day you just had.
Set Aside Time to Unwind
Having a period of downtime before you go to bed helps both your brain and body unwind from the long and stressful day, but the best part about it is that there is no wrong way to do it. You can take a relaxing shower, read a few pages from your favorite book, or meditate. By having this quiet time, you can start to decompress and will carry less stress into your night of sleep.
Limit Blue Light Exposure
Blue light is everywhere. It is emitted through your phone, computer, and even your television. Decreasing the amount of blue light before bed is extremely important because the blue light affects your circadian rhythm and disrupts your sleep. Take a look at some easy ways you can limit your exposure.
- Download an app that helps control blue light emission
- Invest in blue light glasses
- Buy a screen cover for your laptop
- Use the night setting for your phone's brightness level
- Take a break from screens at least two hours before bed
Achieving Calmer, More Productive Days
No matter how busy your days are, your body will thank you for the quality rest you are able to achieve each night, so do whatever you can to protect it! You won't believe the difference it will make in your days!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cumming, Ga.