When it comes to a good night’s sleep, many people find that they could use more of it. Whether they lead stressful lifestyles, or they find themselves tossing and turning for no apparent reason, there are many people that wish that they could sleep soundly.
The truth is that lacking a good night’s sleep does more than just make you feel tired. Lack of sleep can affect all areas of your life, from your productivity, to the way that you handle your emotions. Whether you’re reaching retirement, or you’re just starting college, it’s in your best interest to get as much good sleep as you can. Here are some of the best tips for making sure that you do just that.
Stop Looking at Your Phone Before Bed
Even though it might be tempting to scroll your phone right before you go to bed at night, the truth is that looking at your phone too soon before you sleep is the culprit of bedtime restlessness. Too much exposure to blue light affects your brain’s circadian rhythm. As a result of too much blue light, your brain will think it’s the middle of the day when actually it’s night time.
Sleep experts recommend not looking at your phone for at least one hour before bedtime if possible.
Stop Drinking That Afternoon Coffee
Even though that afternoon cup of coffee may seem like it’s helping you stay awake, the truth is that it is most likely hindering your sleep. It’s a good idea to avoid any caffeinated drinks past lunchtime. Otherwise, it will stay in your system and prevent you from falling asleep earlier. Try switching to decaf, or tea if you need a replacement to break the habit.
Reduce Noise
If you live in a loud area, or there are lots of sounds at home like snoring dogs or blaring televisions interfering with your sleep, then chances are you’re never entering a deep enough sleep at night. It’s a good idea to wear earplugs, or rely on white noise. Doing so will drown out the outside noise, and ensure that you don’t wake up frequently throughout your sleep.
Drink Less Alcohol
Many people are convinced that drinking alcohol in the evenings is helping them relax. In reality, drinking alcohol at night can negatively impact the way that you sleep. Although you may fall asleep faster initially, too much alcohol in your system can lead you to wake up frequently at night, tossing and turning. If possible, try to limit yourself to under three units a week, or eliminate it altogether until you solve your sleeping woes.
By following these tips, and using the process of elimination, hopefully you’ll find the answer to why you’re not sleeping soundly in no time!
