Sleep Tight – Best Hints for Having a Better Rest During the Night
So you finally get to bed after a long day’s work and excitedly lie down for a night of rest, when you realize that sleep is impossible. It’s happened to all of us at some point, and whether or not it’s chronic insomnia or just a case of nighttime restlessness, it can be frustrating.
Help the Sandman Find You
You can adopt certain habits that’ll boost your chances of having a good night’s slumber. Your body needs the time off when you sleep to ensure you stay healthy and perform at your best. These hints are just what you need to turn that sleepless night back into a restful one.
Find Your Perfect Bed
Each person has a favorite sleeping position. Some of us might prefer to doze on our backs while others stick to sleeping on their sides. No matter your choice, there are mattresses specifically designed for each type of sleeper.
Perhaps you’re looking for the best mattresses for side sleepers – This Old House mentions that these are best for those who want proper support for their joints. Those for front and back sleepers need to keep your spine straightened. Keep in mind what you want from your bed, so you don’t feel shortchanged in the mornings.
Reset Your Internal Clock
Sometimes our body’s natural rhythm gets disrupted. We deal with hundreds of different situations throughout the day, and these can follow us to the bedroom in the evening. Whether it’s the late night’s finally adding up or jet lag from that business trip, resetting your circadian rhythm can help fix your bedtime schedule.
Stay Away from That Caffeine Fix
We all have our little vices, and caffeine is definitely at the top of most people’s lists. If you find that falling sleep has become more difficult, try cutting down on your intake. It’s also advisable to not drink it later in the day either. Better drik natural nourishing drinks that are good for calming your nerves.
Keep an eye out for any foods with hidden caffeine. Your late-night snack might be the reason you can’t fall asleep in the evening. If your rumbling tummy is keeping you up, have a healthy bite rich in magnesium.
Ambient Sounds
The world becomes much less noisy in the evening, and this tranquility can heighten even the smallest sounds. Barking dogs and nearby traffic can keep you up for hours. Ambient noise can help you fall asleep and, more importantly, stay that way.
Countless white noise apps will drown out any of those annoying sounds. If you want to go more old school, you can use a simple fan or even just a pair of earplugs to create the same effect.
Keep Fluffy Out of the Bed
We all love our pets to the ends of the earth, but having them share a bed with you might not be such a good idea. Animals tend to become restless when it gets dark, and their constant fidgeting will keep you from staying asleep.
Instead of sharing with you, make them a sleeping area all their own, and teach them how to use it regularly. It might not be easy at first, but before you know it, your space will be yours again. There are some excellent DIY beds you can make to keep your pets happy and content.
Mindfulness Meditation
Letting go of all the stress you build up throughout the day is essential. A great way to help you calm down is to practice mindfulness meditation. Studies have shown that focusing on the present, along with your thoughts and feelings, contributes to less insomnia in patients.
Try Some ASMR
The autonomous sensory meridian response has been a hot topic recently. It’s a sensation some have when hearing a specific sound or seeing something visually stimulating. People describe it as a tingle along the back of the scalp or neck.
ASMR videos are very popular online and generally consist of people doing everyday things like brushing hair or eating food. Some people find that listening to this before bed can help them relax and fall asleep more easily.
In a Nutshell
A great night’s rest isn’t always on the cards, but you can help stack the deck in your favor by implementing some of these techniques. Take it one night at a time and see what works for you. Remember that your sleep quality will affect the rest of your day, and if you want to be productive, get in those hours.
Guest Post by Ashley Lipman