Getting enough rest is in short supply for most people, especially those juggling busy lives of families, careers, school and personal interests. For some, no matter how hard they try, a good night’s sleep remains just out of reach.
However, this doesn’t have to be the case every night. Consider trying a few of these secrets that will ensure you are well-rested upon waking each morning.
Start with a routine physical to make sure that there is no underlying medical issue contributing to your sleep woes. Sometimes, even the simplest issues might prevent your body from entering a state of rest.
This will give you a baseline on your health and provide a good place to start with working on your sleep-related issues.
Try going to sleep at the same time every night, no matter what. The more consistent your sleep schedule becomes, the easier it will be for your body to know when it is time to wind down. If possible, maintain your bedtime on the weekends.
Consistency is the key to good sleep, so if possible, wake up at the same time every day as well. Doing so will definitely help you to sleep longer and better.
A good night of sleep is all about the environment around you. The room should be cool and dark. If you typically fall asleep in front of the TV, this is a good time to change that habit. If possible, use a fan (overhead ceiling fan or floor model) and set it on low to keep the air circulating around you while you slumber.
Do not eat or drink anything two hours before bed and make sure that you are as comfortable as possible. The more that you create ideal conditions for sleep, the easier it will be to drift off and stay asleep.
If you need another reason to hit the gym, getting better sleep is it. If you begin a regular exercise routine, your body will thank you in the form of better sleep each night. Be sure to work in some cardiovascular exercise for heart health and get your body tired enough to wind down at the end of the day.
Just avoid working out too close to bedtime or you might find it challenging to wind down when it is time to do so.
When nothing else works, consider taking a sleep aid. This is one of the best ways to ensure that you don’t continue to miss out on sleep, especially when you have to be productive the next day.
Choosing the right sleep aid ensures that you don’t spend hours each night tossing and turning, instead enjoying the quality rest that your body needs to be ready to wake.
A good night’s sleep is not merely a luxury, it is necessity. With some preparation and perhaps a sleep aid, you’ll find yourself enjoying a quality night of slumber in no time.