Tips for a Better Night’s Sleep
By Sara Butler
Your sleep habits can make a huge difference in how you feel, your energy levels and the overall quality of your life. Sleep is very important; if you’re not getting enough good quality sleep it can predispose you to a myriad of health conditions and even chronic illness. Here are a few tips to help you get a better night’s sleep.
You Need a Schedule
You may think it’s only small children who need a schedule to help them sleep, but the truth is anyone can benefit from a regular sleep schedule. You should shoot to go to bed at the same time and awaken at around the same time every day, even the weekends. That may not sound like fun to you, but think about it this way: If you’re getting enough sleep during the week you won’t need to sleep in on your days off.
When you have a sleep schedule and stick to it, it will help to regulate your body’s internal clock. Once that clock is set you may have an easier time falling asleep and staying asleep!
Create a Nighttime Ritual
Just as with creating a schedule for your sleep, a nighttime ritual might help you to ease into sleep time and make it easier to fall asleep. Try to come up with something you find relaxing, such as a bath or a shower, and make sure to turn off your electronic devices (yes, even your smart phone!) at least an hour before it’s time to hit the hay. Let the stress and anxiety of the day melt away and get some rest.
Avoid Naps
If you have trouble sleeping at night and find you are tired during the day, a nap is not a good solution. Naps might help you to get through the day but when it’s time to go to bed they will only make it more difficult for you to find the Sandman.
Exercise More
Many studies have found a link between exercise and sleep. The National Sleep Foundation suggests that even light exercise might be able to help you sleep better at night, but vigorous exercise is the best bet for helping to tire you out.
Your Bedroom
The room you sleep in needs to be set up to encourage sleep. This means you should have a room that is dark, cool and free from noise or outside light. If you have a partner who snores, keeping you up at night, try a fan or a white noise machine to help drown him (or her) out.
These tips should help you to find better sleep at night, which is a cornerstone of good health!