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Top 10 tips for better sleep hygiene

Do you want to fix your sleep schedule? Are you tired of feeling sleepy throughout the day and hate mornings? No worries, we have got you covered. The most popularly unpopular opinion is that sleep is essential to your routine. It depends on your mood, productiveness, and even how you interact with others every day.

A good sleep routine can help you feel better, get more work done, and instill a happy mood throughout the day.

The following article will discuss 10 tips for better sleep hygiene.

  1. Fix Your Sleeping Schedule

It is said that an average human needs about 8 hours of sleep daily to function well throughout the day. However, your body has an in-built clock that works independently.

Sleep requirements can vary from person to person. You might need more than 8 hours to feel like you have slept well.

It is vital to create a sleeping schedule that aligns with your work schedule and allows you to get the appropriate hours of sleep. Work towards sticking to your schedule; remember, discipline is extremely important.

  1. Less ScreenTime

One of the things that sway you the most from fixing your sleep schedule is screen time. The blue light emitted from phones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices. The blue light interferes with the formation of a hormone, melatonin.

Melatonin is a hormone that the human body releases to help it prepare for bed. Blue light manipulates the brain into thinking that it is still daytime, so the body does not need sleep yet.

Develop a habit of putting all the electronic devices aside for at least 30 minutes before you have to sleep.

  1. Keep Track of Your Diet

You might have never heard of it, but your sleeping cycle depends highly on your diet. Some foods in our body take more time to break down than others, preventing us from sleeping early.

A good, heavy lunch and breakfast are always a good idea, but it is essential to keep your night meals light. Scientifically, the human body's digestive system reduces to half its efficiency during sleep.

A heavy meal takes time to break down, causing the body discomfort and preventing it from dozing off peacefully.

  1. Short Naps

Has this ever happened to you that you are trying to fix your sleep schedule and it involves keeping yourself awake throughout a single day which will make you sleep early at night? However, you take a short nap to let the tiredness go away.

You rest your eyes for a bit, and BOOM! Four hours have passed, and now you are back to square one.

While fixing your sleep schedule, short naps are encouraged. You can take that energy boost for 20-30 minutes. However, even dozing off for an hour or two can mess up your schedule tremendously.

  1. Daily Physical Activity

Daily physical activity, such as exercise, is extremely important to help that sleep schedule get back on track. Regular exercise is not only good for health but also helps those with many sleeping disorders have healthy sleep.

This helps your energy throughout the day.

However, it is important to note that one should not do a lot of exercise right before bed because that might wake your brain and energize it.

  1. Managing Stress and Anxie­ty for Better Slee­p

Stress and anxiety can make it challe­nging to fall asleep and stay aslee­p at night. Mindfulness, meditation, journaling, and muscle relaxation can help fight these challenges efficiently.

These­ can help calm your mind and prepare your body for re­st. Having a good bedtime routine can also help fight stress, sleeping disorders, physical health issues, and much more.

If stre­ss and anxiety continue to interfe­re with your sleep, conside­r speaking to a therapist or counselor.

  1. Good Bedtime Routine

The­y can guide deve­loping effective coping strate­gies. Avoid Stimulating Activities Before­ Bed Engaging in stimulating activities right before­ bed can make it harder to re­lax and fall asleep.

Things like inte­nse discussions, work tasks, or playing exciting video game­s can increase alertne­ss and energy leve­ls, making it difficult to transition to sleep. Avoid these­ types of stimulating activities in the hours le­ading up to your desired bedtime­. Instead, opt for more calming and restorative­ activities to help you wind down.

  1. Go See a Doctor

If you're still having trouble sleeping after making changes to your routine, see a doctor. Many people face difficulty in sleeping because of being mentally disturbed, such as anxiety and depression. Also, because of sleeping disorders which can be treated by a doctor.

Doctors can help you get better with these things and get well sleep.

  1. Limit Caffeine Intake

Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants that can make it harder to fall and stay asleep. Limit your intake and keep a track of it. Try to limit your consumption of drinks containing caffeine like coffee, tea, and soda, particularly during the afternoon or evening.

Additionally, avoid consuming nicotine, such as cigarettes, or vaping shortly before going to bed. Nicotine can mess with your sleep and make it harder to enjoy a deep, restful night.

  1. Make A Good Comfort Space

Make your bedroom more sleep-friendly by keeping it tidy and free of distractions. To create a more calming and peaceful atmosphere, consider using calming elements like dim lighting, soft and soothing colors, or relaxing scents like lavender or chamomile.

Conclusion

In summary, prioritizing good sleep habits is crucial for overall health and well-being. These ten tips can help you improve your sleep schedule and develop a healthy approach to it.

Knowing that consistency is key, it is important to be patient as you adjust your routine and find what works best for you. Don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional. Get the restful sleep you need!