What Are Some Tips To Sleep Better At Night
It’s normal to have trouble falling asleep when you have major life changes to deal with. You may find that you lie down exhausted by it all, but then your mind won’t shut down so that you can rest. Here are some things that you can do to invite sleep to come more easily. Whether you suffer from a sleep disorder or just an occasional night of insomnia, here are some tips to help promote a refreshing night’s sleep.
Take light daily exercise
Find time to move your body each day. Regular exercise helps us sleep more swiftly and soundly. A brisk walk is all that is needed.
Have a no-tech bedroom
We have technology everywhere. But it shouldn’t be in the bedroom. Ignore your TV, smartphone, and computer before bed. Resist the temptation to check Facebook one last time before laying down your head. It will only give your mind something else to start thinking about.
Journal
One way to get things off your mind before you close your eyes is to journal your thoughts for the day. Getting them out of your head and onto the page is extremely cathartic. This works best if you use a paper journal, rather than an electric one (see below).
Unplug earlier
The screens that we are all so addicted to emit blue light which affects our natural sleep cycle. The blue light mimics sunlight, so our brains actually wake up when we are watching a screen, whether watching TV, playing games online, working on the computer or reading a book on an eReader. Unplug at least 30 minutes before bedtime to ensure better, faster sleep. Snuggle up with a good book instead.
Meditate
Even if you prefer to meditate in the morning, using a guided meditation right before bed is very relaxing and can help you fall asleep faster. There are lots of free meditation apps you can use if you don’t already have a guided meditation that you like.
Keep the same sleep pattern
When at all possible, go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Your body will get used to this cycle so that you notice you start to get drowsy right around your bedtime. You’ll find it easier to get up in the morning also.
Only sleep in bed
Excluding journaling and meditating, only use your bed for sleeping and intimacy with your partner. Avoid studying or working on your bed since your brain starts to believe that the bed is where work occurs. So, when you hit the hay, instead of falling asleep the brain wakes up and prepares for work.
