A good night’s sleep is critical for our general health and wellbeing. To function at your best, it’s vital that you get enough rest the night before, so if you’re having trouble falling and staying asleep, or your body clock is all over the place, drifting off may be easier said than done.
Improving your sleep can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost your immune system, so here are 5 healthy sleep habits that might change your life for the better.
Get into a Regular Routine
If you’re going to sleep and waking up at different times each day, this can have a negative effect on your mind and wellbeing. Consistency is key when it comes to getting good quality sleep, so while you may be tempted to lie in at the weekends, getting into a regular sleeping routine will adjust your body clock and help aid sleep. Although it may be difficult to follow at first, you will notice an increase in your mental sharpness, energy levels, and emotional well-being once you set a consistent sleep schedule.
Relax Before Bed
To promote good sleep, it’s important that you’re in the right frame of mind before hitting the hay. A mind filled with anxious thoughts and worries may make it near to impossible to drift off, so setting aside time to relax and unwind before sleep is crucial. Running a hot bath, reading a book, or trying out a meditation technique are all great strategies to reduce stress levels and help you get a good night’s rest. It’s important that you’re comfortable in bed and have the right support, so you may want to look into the best mattresses for sleeping on your side.
Eliminate Distractions
In the social media age we live in, it’s likely that you will be a user of platforms like Facebook and Instagram. If you’re prone to scrolling through your news feed in bed, the blue light that emits from your device can make it difficult for you to get a good night’s rest. Your bed should be seen as a place to sleep, rather than to use your phone, so make sure that you eliminate any distractions that could hinder how much sleep you get. There are several ways to achieve this, such as by placing your phone out of sight and not watching television in bed.
Keep a Healthy Diet
The foods and drinks you consume each day may wreak havoc with your sleep. There are lots of foods that you can eat throughout the day, which may help in achieving a good night’s rest, such as honey, beans, bananas, and whole grains. Processed food is full of fat, salt, and sugar, which may be doing more harm than good to your body, so sticking to a balanced diet and ensuring you get your five fruits and vegetables a day can help promote better sleep.
Get Regular Exercise
Physical activity can reduce sleep complaints and insomnia. If you suffer from insomnia, you will know how hard it is already to get good quality sleep, so factoring in regular exercise can make a huge difference to your quality of life. Whether you work from home or at the office, taking 30 minutes out of your day to commit to exercise can boost concentration, lower your risk of heart disease, and most importantly, improve your sleep.
Regardless of your profession or the lifestyle you lead, good quality sleep is vital for your general health and wellbeing. Adopting the habits above into your routine can do wonders for your sleep and ensure you wake up full of energy and drive.
