7 Tips for Improving Sleep Hygiene

Getting a good night’s sleep is important for our overall health and well-being, but many people struggle to get the rest they need. Whether you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling tired, improving your sleep hygiene can help. Here are some tips to improve your sleep hygiene and get a better night’s rest.

• 1. Stick to a regular sleep schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock and can make it easier to fall asleep and wake up.
• 2. Create a bedtime routine. A consistent routine can help signal to your body that it’s time to sleep. This might include taking a warm bath or shower, reading a book, or practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
• 3. Make your bedroom comfortable. Your sleeping environment can have a big impact on the quality of your sleep. Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. Invest in comfortable bedding, pillows, and a mattress that supports your body.
• 4. Limit screen time before bed. The blue light emitted by electronic devices like phones, tablets, and TVs can interfere with your sleep by disrupting your body’s production of melatonin. Try to avoid screens for at least an hour before bed, or use a blue light filter on your devices.
• 5. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. Stimulants like caffeine and nicotine can make it harder to fall asleep, while alcohol can disrupt the quality of your sleep. Try to avoid these substances in the hours leading up to bedtime.
• 6. Get regular exercise. Regular exercise can help you fall asleep more easily and improve the quality of your sleep. However, avoid exercising too close to bedtime, as this can make it harder to fall asleep.
• 7. Manage stress. Stress and anxiety can interfere with your ability to sleep. Try to find ways to manage stress, such as practicing relaxation techniques, talking to a friend or therapist, or keeping a journal.

Improving your sleep hygiene takes time and effort, but it’s worth it to get the rest you need to feel your best. If you continue to struggle with sleep despite making these changes, explore the possibility that there may be underlying health issues. Look at what is happening with you – are you eating right, are you in a good environment – there is always a cause, so explore all possibilities. Consider also speaking to a natural health practitioner, as maybe they can help identify any underlying health issues, or recommend additional strategies to improve your sleep.

References

1. National Sleep Foundation. (2021). Healthy Sleep Tips. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/healthy-sleep-tips.
2. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Sleep hygiene: Tips to get a good night’s sleep. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/sleep/art-20048379.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Tips for Better Sleep. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.html.
4. Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). Blue light has a dark side. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side.
5. American Heart Association. (2021). How to Sleep Better. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/sleep/how-to-sleep-better.

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