With the fast pace lifestyle that many of us lead, there’s one thing we never seem to get enough of…. sleep. Sleep plays a vital role in our overall well-being, so we definitely pay the price when we don’t get enough. Here are some tips on how to get better sleep.
- Set your bedtime, and stick to it
Go to bed and get up at the same time every day, even on weekends, holidays and days off. Being consistent reinforces your body’s sleep-wake cycle and helps promote better sleep at night.
- Create a bedtime ritual
Do the same things each night to tell your body it’s time to wind down. Your body needs time to shift into sleep mode, so spend the last hour before bed doing a calming activity such as reading. Relaxing habits can promote better sleep by easing the transition between wakefulness and drowsiness.
- Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise has been shown to improve sleep quality, as long as you don’t work out too close to bedtime. A post-workout burst of energy can keep you awake. Aim to finish any vigorous exercise 3 to 4 hours before you hit the hay.
- Avoid Napping
Power napping may help get you through the day, but if you find that you can’t fall asleep at bedtime, eliminating even short catnaps may help you doze off later on.
- Get Comfortable
Design your sleep environment to provide the conditions you need for sleep. Your bedroom should be a cool temperature, and should also be free from any noise that might disturb your sleep. Finally, your bedroom should be free from any light. Make sure your mattress is comfortable and supportive. The one you have been using for years may have exceeded its life expectancy – about 9 or 10 years for most quality mattresses.
