Leveling up your sleep game
5 proven methods for improving how you sleep
So you’re scouring the internet looking for ways to help improve your sleep? Yeah, me too. At some time or another, just about everyone will experience a difficult night’s sleep. Some people experience longterm bouts of sleeplessness, or insomnia, and other challenges making “ideal sleep” seem like a fantasy.
So what are some proven methods for improving how you sleep?
- Exercise during the day. Vigorous exercise is recommended, even if brief — and any exercise at all is better than none! As always, follow any directives recommended by your healthcare practitioner for your personal exercise routine.
- Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillow.
- Avoid using electronics for a few hours before bedtime.
- Commit to a relaxing pre-bedtime ritual that includes your preferred relaxation techniques. Some ideas: mindfulness, meditation, stretching / Yoga, deep breathing, singing, playing music, reading for pleasure, etc. Investigate and add any other aids to assist your sleeping such as: sleepy time tea (check health food stores and grocery stores), receiving massage, nutritional supplements such as Melatonin, aromatherapy such as lavender, using a noise machine or playing light music while you sleep, etc.
- Avoid caffeine and large meals for at least a few hours (or more) before bedtime. Especially caffeine! Everybody is different, and some people are much more (or less) affected by caffeine. Experiment and see what is right for you.
- BONUS TIP! Relax consistently and commit to a low-stress life as much as possible. (I know, sort of hard, but this is just advice!) Stress reduces your body’s ability to fight off antigens, which reduces your immunity and makes you more susceptible to infections.
More about Stress and Sleep
Stress and anxiety can trigger insomnia and other sleep problems, and circularly, getting insufficient sleep increases your stress and anxiety! Exploring methods to support getting a good night’s sleep consistently is truly important for each of us. Good sleep genuinely supports many layers of your health and wellbeing during the day and night.
