1) Find A Sleep Schedule That Works For You
One of the most essential things for feeling healthy is sticking to the same sleep routine on a daily basis. This includes holidays, weekends, even vacations. When you are consistent with your body, you will be able to reinforce your body’s sleep-wake cycle which allows for a much restful sleep. There is one important side note that you must remember. If you are unable to fall asleep within 15 minutes, it is time to get up and do something relaxing. When you start to feel tired, it is time to go to bed. When you are simply trying your hardest to fall asleep it becomes even harder to do so.
2) Watch What You Are Eating And Drinking
Do not try to go to bed on an empty or full stomach. Either one is going to give you discomfort as you try to fall asleep. You may even want to limit how much you drink before going to bed. This helps to limit how many times you need to get up and pee during the night!
Always use caution when indulging in late night alcoholic of caffeine drinks. Many times the overall effects of these types of beverages can last for hours and can disrupt your quality of sleep. While you may feel that a nightcap will make you drowsy, alcohol has a way of coming back later at night. Some people find supplements and herbs such as Lavender, Valerian or Kratom can help with sleep.
3) Form A Nightly Ritual
Make sure your body knows that it is time to wind down by doing the same things every night. You may want to listen to some soothing music, read a book, or even take a relaxing bath filled with essential oil. Try to do any of these activities with as little light as possible These types of relaxing activities help ease that sometimes painful transition between the state of being awake and being drowsy.
Try to stay away from the television and other electronics as a part of a ritual. Research has shown that using electronics before bedtime tends to interrupt the sleep pattern. Here are a good list of rituals.
4) It’s OK To Be Comfortable
You want to create a room that is primarily meant for sleeping. This means that is should be quiet, dark, and cool. You may want to invest in fans, room darkening shades, and even earplugs to ensure that you have the ultimate environment for a sound sleep.
Don’t forget the amount of significance having the right pillows and mattress plays in your sleep. It is important that you find the right type of bedding that is going to feel good to you and allow for a comfortable sleep. If you have a partner, make sure there is enogh room for the both of you. It is important that you do not get into the habit of letting children and pets sleep in the same bed with you.
5) Put A Cap On Naps
If you have been having trouble falling asleep in the evening it is essential that you limit long day time naps. If you have the need for a nap during the day, try to limit it to only 10 or 30 minutes, any longer and it will interfere with your nighttime sleep
Of course, if you happen to work nights, you are going to have to make some exceptions to the above rules. IN this case, you are going to have to fight your own internal clock and that is going to take a little more work.
6) Stay Physical
To enjoy a richer and deeper sleep, getting the right amount of physical activity during the day is important. However, you do need to time it appropriately. If you workout too close to bedtime you are going still going to feel pumped and energized. It is best to exercise as early in the day as possible.