Most of us view sleep as a time for relaxation – of total shutdown. Truth be told, your body is doing a lot of healing, restoration, and overall processing while you are asleep. This is why it is important for us to get a solid night of sleep on a regular basis. Late nights supplemented by power naps just aren’t enough for your overall health.
Embracing Better Sleep Habits
Is your sleep suffering from bad habits? If so, it’s time to embrace your need for sleep and make some changes to create a more effective nighttime routine. Here are some things you can do to get started:
- Attempt to go to bed at the same time every night. We know it’s hard but the same general window of time is a great place to start. Your body will appreciate the routine.
- Turn off anything with a screen. The blue glow from the display screens may hurt your sleep.
- Minimize daytime naps and keep them to 20 minutes to ensure they don’t disrupt your longer evening slumber.
- Never nap after dinner. Try taking a short walk, making a phone call, or even preparing for the next day to avoid napping on the couch.
- Get some exercise every day. Regular exercise will actually make you sleep better at night and once you’ve established a routine you won’t feel tired from it during the day. You’ll feel energized instead.
- Use supportive pillows for your neck and put a pillow between your legs when you are lying on your side. Doing so will keep your spine in better alignment, reducing the aches and pains that disturb your sleep.
- Find a hypoallergenic mattress cover to put over your mattress.This will keep mold, dust mites, and other allergens from building up on your mattress.
- Avoid alcohol late in the evening. Yes, it may make you drowsy but it will also, over time, start to wake you up at night.
You deserve to feel rested, energized, and healthy. Do you best to improve your sleep patterns and your body will thank you.
