Sleep is an important part of staying healthy but getting the right amount of sleep can be hard. You might feel like you have no time to rest, or that you cannot get comfortable no matter how hard you try.
Everyone needs something a little different to sleep, like a whirlwind of fans running or a large comforter. However, there are some simple tricks and methods that can help improve your quality of sleep, no matter who you are.
Here are just a few ways you can revolutionize the way you sleep, with only a few simple purchases and changes in habit.
1. Get a New Mattress
A new mattress can do wonders for the way you rest. If your mattress is a few years old, it may be time to turn it over or get a new one. There are so many mattresses out there now of different feels, different materials, different sizes, and more. Many mattresses are even customizable to a point if you are a particularly difficult sleeper or have a partner who needs something a little different from you.
Consider one of the big boys on the market. Or, maybe branch out and look into some other brands that might surprise you, like the up-and-coming Ecosa mattress. You can learn more in this detailed 2019 Ecosa mattress review.
Whatever you choose, a new mattress is the perfect place to start. You never know what you’ve been missing until you try something new.
2. Stop Eating Before Bed
This can be a hard habit to break but eating and snacking before bed can make sleep far more difficult for you. Our bodies turn food into energy, so by eating right before you are supposed to sleep, you are giving your body an energy boost it should not have at such a time. Also, it is not the healthiest habit, as your body does not metabolize or digest food as easily at night.
3. Turn Off and Tune Out
Using your phone and watching television right before bed can also cause you to have trouble sleeping. Blue light disrupts your sleep patterns and can damage your eyes, especially at night.
Some phones are equipped now with an orange light option, but even still, the light keeps your body awake and squinting at your phone is harmful either way. Give yourself some time to power down away from electronics before you go to bed.
4. Block Out External Noises
You don’t have to sleep with noise cancelling headphones or anything, but some sort of white noise can soothe your mind and help you sleep. Blocking out sounds like a dripping faucet or someone snoring in the next room can give you peace of mind and the ability to drift off more easily. Consider a fan or a white noise machine to help cover the extra sounds in your home at night.
5. Careful of Your Exercise
Exercising is a great way to stay healthy and, when timed right, can also help provide a good night’s sleep. However, if you exercise too close to bedtime, especially any cardio or high-intensity workouts, you will most likely have a hard time getting to sleep.
You experience a peak of energy after a good workout, which can lead to an inability to sleep and the energy boost can last for quite a while. Consider exercising early in the morning or afternoon to get that energy high when you really need it.
Your Mind, Your Body, Your Sleep
Only you really know what makes you more comfortable. These tips are a springboard of ideas for ways to improve a lacklustre sleep life. Try them out and get the best night’s sleep you’ve had in years!
