Getting a good night’s sleep is the difference between having a sluggish day to being productive and active. It’s also associated with a ton of health benefits including lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar and stress, and decreasing your risk for serious health problems like diabetes and heart disease. With all of these reasons to get quality sleep, how can you make your sleep better? It all starts with healthy bedtime habits and these are the five you should try.
Put Away Electronics
In addition to the blue light emitted from your phones and computer screens, the stress of social media and answering emails can make it hard to fall asleep. To help cue your brain and body that it’s time for bedtime, stop using electronics at least 30-60 minutes before bed.
Avoid Caffeine, Alcohol, and Large Meals
Don’t drink caffeine or alcohol in the evening and try to finish your dinner at least three hours before heading to bed. If you’re feeling hungry before bed, have a light snack 30-45 minutes before bedtime.
Find a relaxing and tech free activity to do 30-60 minutes before heading to bed. This could be reading a book, practicing yoga, or taking a warm bath.
Before heading to bed, your body temperature drops and if your bedroom is too hot or you exercise too close to bedtime, your body may have difficulty cooling off, which makes it harder to fall asleep. Try and avoid working out too close to bedtime and turn your bedroom temperatures down for a better night’s sleep.
Stay Out of Bed Until Bedtime
Your bed should be reserved for sleeping, so avoid watching TV or working in bed. Got to another room to unwind until you’re ready to fall asleep.
