Getting a good night’s sleep can impact everything from your health to your mood, to your energy levels to tackle the day ahead. Whether you’re struggling to get to sleep or waking up throughout the night, there are a range of reasons why you might not be getting the sleep you need. From racing thoughts to external factors like lighting, noise and the feel of your mattress, there are a few things that can help you get a better night’s sleep. Here are our top tips on helping you rest more peacefully, night after night.
Create The Right Mood For Your Space
Your bedroom should be your space to switch off and unwind from your busy day – like a sleep sanctuary that helps your rest and recharge. Everything from your furniture to lighting and soft furnishings can play a role in helping create that ideal sleep environment.
At the centre of your bedroom is your bed. The right one is one of the most important parts of creating a more comfortable space for sleep. First, take a look at your bed, including your mattress and bed frame. Is it still in good condition, helping to support you throughout the night? Or is it starting to show signs of wear and tear?
After your bed, another important consideration is your bedding. Your sheets, pillows and blankets can all play a role in how comfortable you feel throughout the night. After all, sheets that are too warm or a quilt that’s not warm enough can be a reason why you’re waking up in the middle of the night. There are a range of bedding options to suit your sleep needs.
Then, it’s time to turn your attention away from your bed. Everything from the lighting to the external temperature can all play a role in having a better night’s sleep. Make sure you pull down your blinds or close your curtains to keep out any external light (and noise!). Don’t forget to pay attention to the temperature, ensuring that the room is at your preferred temperature (if you can help it!).
Destress And Unwind Before Sleep
Does your mind tend to race just as you’re closing your eyes? Perhaps you’re replaying the entire day or beginning to think about tomorrow’s plans. If you’re someone who tends to have a fast mind before bed, activities like meditation or journaling can be helpful.
Journaling can be a great way to dump all your thoughts from the day onto the paper, helping to clear your mind. You may also find it helpful to plan the next day, so you know exactly what’s ahead.
If journaling isn’t for you, there are plenty of other activities that can help you unwind at the end of the day. Perhaps escaping into a good book is the ideal way for you to curl up at the end of the day. Others may love brewing herbal tea or taking a warm bath. Remember, it’s all about what works for you and what helps you feel a little more relaxed!
Get Into a Routine
A nighttime routine is a great way to signal to your body that it’s time to rest. If you haven’t heard of one before, the entire idea is to create a nighttime ritual that helps to relax your mind. Some key things to consider when it comes to your nighttime routine include:
- Avoiding high-energy activities like strenuous exercise a few hours before bed.
- Putting away electronics at least an hour before bedtime (this includes the television or your phone).
- Gentle stretching, meditation or journaling.
- Having a warm bath or shower.
- Dimming lights in the house.
- Switching to calming music.
- Turning on white noise for ambiance.
Keep in mind that everyone’s routine will be different. What works for one person may be different to yours!
Keep It Consistent
Even if your routine looks slightly different from others, it’s important to try and keep your routine around the same time each day. While it can be tempting to have a sleep in on the weekend, it’s best to try and stick to a schedule. Any changes may upset your sleep pattern during the week, creating a constant catch-up cycle. By keeping to a regular sleep schedule, your body can start to get into a rhythm, knowing when it’s time to switch off and head to dreamland.
Getting to sleep may be one of your favourite things to do, so not getting the sleep you deserve can be frustrating. After all, it’s your time to relax and unwind from the busy day you’ve had. With these bedtime tips and tricks up your pyjama sleeve, you’ll hopefully be onto a winning formula for how to get a better night’s slumber.
