Ah, sleep. It's the one thing we all want more of but can never seem to get enough of. Good sleep is essential for both physical and mental health, so it's important to make sure you're getting enough quality rest every night. Here are six tips to help you get better sleep starting tonight!
- Set a Schedule - The key to good sleep is consistency. Try setting a daily schedule and sticking with it as closely as possible each day. Going to bed and waking up at the same time will help keep your body on its natural circadian rhythm, ensuring that you get the best rest possible.
- Avoid Stimulants - Coffee isn't the only stimulant that can affect your sleep; things like nicotine and alcohol also act as stimulants that can interfere with your sleep cycle. Try avoiding them in the evening so you don't have any trouble falling asleep when it's time.
- Exercise - Exercise is great for improving both physical and mental health, but did you know it can also help with sleep? A moderate amount of exercise during the day can help tire out your body so that it's ready for restful slumber by bedtime. Just be sure not to exercise too close to bedtime or else it could actually interfere with your ability to fall asleep!
- Limit Screen Time - We all love our screens, but too much screen time before bedtime can negatively impact how well you sleep at night. The blue light emitted from most electronic devices has been found to suppress melatonin production—the hormone responsible for helping us fall asleep—so try limiting your screen exposure in the evenings if possible.
- Relax Before Bed - One of the best ways to ensure a good night's rest is by winding down before bedtime with some relaxing activities like reading a book or taking a hot bath/shower. This helps signal to your body that it's time for rest and sets the stage for a peaceful night’s slumber ahead!
- Create an Ideal Sleeping Environment - Investing in comfortable pillows, mattresses and sheets will pay off in spades when it comes time for shut-eye! Creating an ideal sleeping environment free from distractions like loud noises or bright lights will also help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer throughout the night so that when morning comes around, you’ll already be feeling rested and refreshed!
Getting enough quality rest at night doesn't have to be hard— these six tips should help set you on the path towards sweet dreams tonight! If nothing else works, just remember: there’s no problem getting better sleep if you just count sheep! (Or if all else fails just take an extra long nap instead ;)) Happy sleeping everyone!