How many hours a night do you sleep? 6? 8? 10? What about the quality of your sleep? Are you constantly waking up throughout the night or do you sleep solidly all the way til morning? Sleep is actually an important aspect of a healthy body and lifestyle, but it’s often overlooked. I’m just as much a culprit as anyone else for late nights… heck, it’s 10pm while I’m writing this post!
However, sleep is crucial for brain function, energy, restoration of cells, and it helps rejuvenate our mood. Notice how you often feel amazing after a great night’s sleep?
There are numerous (and conflicting) studies on the optimal hours of sleep you should get, but regardless of the time, having a quality sleep is essential. There are a number of actions you can take to improve the quality of your sleep.
1. Create a pattern
Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. After a short while, your body will get used to this and you’ll find you will wake up before your alarm.
2. Shut off electronics
Put away the smartphone, tablets, and laptops a bit before bedtime. This one is a struggle for me, as I’m sure it is for most people. (If you have any tips to help with this, please share in the comments!) It’s also advised to turn off the tv as well. Grab a fiction novel or something fairly “light” and read right before bed (with lights dimmed).
3. Calm your mind
Before bed, take a few moments to go over the day. Think about some positive events that happened or things to be thankful for. If you find yourself getting worked up about the next day, grab a pen and paper, do a “brain dump” of your to-do list or things to remember…and then forget it.
4. Avoid sugars and alcohol
Avoid sugary food or drinks, including alcohol. These can cause blood sugar issues through the night resulting in frequent wake-ups.
5. Create an evening ritual
Choose something relaxing, such as drinking tea, deep breathing, or five minutes of quiet meditation/prayer. Some people like to journal and I’m always up for a snuggle with my husband.
Your Turn: What other tips to do have for getting the quality sleep we all need? Share in the comments!
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