AD | Partnership
Sleep is one of those things every one of us will complain about at some point in our lives. We can be getting too much sleep which makes us feel lethargic and sluggish. We can simply not be getting enough of it, which can have a major effect on our mood or ability to function. We can have restless sleep, a night where you just toss and turn and can’t seem to get comfortable. It can certainly be a topic of conversation and complaint amongst all of us at some stage in our lives.
It might be that your circumstances are hindering your sleep, for example, when you become a parent to a newborn baby. There may be stresses at work relating to your mind working overtime, or you may not be taking care of yourself as much as you should be.
The truth is, the main common complaint is wanting more sleep, or at the very least quality sleep. It can often feel like the holy grail, but sometimes a few changes can make all of the difference. Here are some tips you could try to help you get better sleep in your life.
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Think about your sleeping environment
One central area of concern when it comes to our sleep is the environment in which we do it. A bedroom is a bedroom, right? However, we can often not see past some of the issues staring us in the face. We may have a cluttered room, a room that has a multipurpose of functions. Perhaps it is messy or has an array of items you are yet to find a place for. Or, you may not have invested much into what you lay your head on at night.
These factors can play a massive part in a bad night’s sleep. Take some time to re-prioritise your view of your bedroom. Redecorate your room and declutter the mess. Think about the last time you changed your mattress, it is time that you upgraded to a hybrid mattress? Invest in more storage options so that it can remain a peaceful and tranquil place. You will be surprised by the positive effect this will have on your sleep.
Think about how much water you drink
Many of us will be aware that we should be drinking more water each day, but did you know that the more water you drink, the better quality of sleep you will have?
Water is a vital element to help recuperate your body at night, so it is advisable to drink at least two water litres a day. Not only that but there are other positive factors to drinking more water so it could be a wise decision to make all round. This includes raised energy levels and improving your skin tone and condition. However, try and avoid drinking all of that water at the end of the day. Otherwise, you will be up and awake in the night to visit the bathroom.
Think about the food that you eat
Your diet is also an essential factor, but not necessarily what you eat but when you eat it. Avoid eating late and try and ensure that your last meal of the day is your lightest meal. Your body digests food much quicker throughout the day as you burn the energy off; however, when you sleep, your digestion rate is at its slowest. Plus, the heaviness you feel can also affect your sleep pattern.
Avoid screen time
This might be one of the hardest things to do, but it could help improve your sleep dramatically. Using your phone or tablet before you go to bed keeps your mind stimulated because of the blue light from the screen. It can be harder to relax and clear your head if you are still looking at a screen at night. Checking emails or social media is often done in the bedroom, however, try and change those habits. Put your phone away an hour before you intend to go to bed and read a book instead. Even avoiding TV can help you. The more this becomes a habit, the better sleep you will get.
Think about how to relax in an evening
Finally, relaxing in the evening before bed should become a priority. It’s important to relax your mind to drift off into a peaceful sleep. This is when you may want to rethink your bedtime routine. Make it a priority to pamper yourself and relax your mind, just as you encourage your children to do so. A warm bath and drink can also be helpful before bed.
Let’s hope these tips help you to get more sleep at night.
