We’ve all been there before: sleep-deprived and not well rested for the day ahead. Luckily, there are some easy tricks for a great night’s sleep. Image: Mislav Marohnić via Flickr CC.
Does it ever get better than a great night’s sleep? There is nothing quite like waking up in the morning to your alarm and actually feeling rested. Luckily, there are many ways that you can achieve a solid night’s sleep and give your brain the rest it so deserves (believe me, we all need it!). Here are some tricks for getting a great night’s sleep:
Set a schedule. It’s sometimes hard, but try to set a consistent bedtime and wake-up time in order to help your body get into a routine, even on the weekends. If you start paying attention to how it makes you feel, you can figure out when your bedtime should be. Work with your biological clock and give it the opportunity to be a awake when it should be and be asleep when it wants to be. It’s okay to stay out later when fun opportunities arise, just remember that you might pay for it later when you don’t get that good night’s rest.
Stay cool. Your body temperature naturally drops when you fall asleep and usually hits it’s low in the middle of night. But it’s easier for us to get warmer in the night than cooler so keep your bedroom near 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Being comfortable is a huge part of getting a good night’s rest, so make sure the to set the temperature to something that is relaxing and comfy for you.
Schedule in some workout time to your weekly routine. Many health and wellness experts suggest that regular exercise, including cardio and strength training, contribute to a person’s overall health. This includes your ability to get a great night’s rest! Working out has benefits that extend beyond attaining a certain physique; the energy you use when working out will contribute to a more restful slumber, and reduced stress as well.
Lastly, be sure to limit your time on the screen. When we get sleepy, that doze-inducing hormone, melatonin, starts to flow. But blue light from your computer can inhibit the process, which then causes us to stay awake. Instead of watching television or a movie before bed, you might want to consider switching to reading a book instead. If this doesn’t seem realistic for you, then consider dimming your electronic devices as much as possible.
Do you have any other easy tricks for a great night’s sleep?
