Getting enough sleep is vital for our health. It can ensure that we are focused and alert the next day and it gives our body the chance to reset, relax, and fight off illness. Though sleep is incredibly important, many people find it difficult to wind down after a busy day, meaning they get fewer hours of sleep than necessary and often feel groggy the next day.
In this post, we’re going to take a look at some tips for getting a good night’s sleep and setting a bedtime routine that helps you to drift off easily. Read on now to learn the facts.
Set a regular bedtime
As adults, we often think we don’t need a set bedtime. It can feel juvenile and remind you of being sent to bed by your parents. However, having a regular bedtime can help your body to know when it is time to relax and ensure you drift off more easily. Try setting a regular bedtime for yourself and see how it changes your sleep patterns.
Write a to-do list for the next day
Many people find it difficult to drift off if they have lots on their mind and writing a to-do list for the next day is one of the easiest ways to help your mind slow down. If you have a list prepared, you won’t go to sleep thinking of all the things you need to do the next day and you will know you’re not going to forget something!
If you’re prone to waking up during the night and remembering something you need to do the next morning, try sitting down to write a to-do list the night before to soothe your mind before sleep.
Put down the electronics a few hours before bed
There is some debate as to whether the blue light in electronic devices can actually delay sleep, but what we do know is that electronics, like our phones and laptops, have an alerting effect on the brain. This means that if you’re playing on your laptop, watching a film, or scrolling through social media right up until your bedtime, you’re making it more difficult for your brain to slow down.
Remove electronics from your bedroom if possible and try to shut your laptop down a few hours before bed to help soothe you into sleep more easily. If you use your phone as an alarm clock, consider investing in an actual alarm clock and removing your phone from the room completely.
Carry out a soothing skincare and dental hygiene routine
Your bedtime routine can make or break your sleep, which is why it is important to ensure everything from your skincare to your dental hygiene routine is soothing. Make sure you start the routine about thirty minutes before bed to help your body relax.
Dental hygiene is incredibly important for your long term heath, so make sure you brush your teeth properly with a good toothpaste. For particularly sensitive teeth, or those that suffer from cavities, opt for a high-fluoride option like Duraphat toothpaste.
Try a meditation practice
Meditation is an excellent way to calm your mind before sleep. You can find many guided meditations, specifically designed for sleep, online and on mental health apps now. Or you could choose an unguided soundscape to soothe you into sleep.
Lower the lights and relax
Whether you get into bed and go straight to sleep, or you read a book before bed, lowering the lights a few hours beforehand can alert your body that it is time to start winding down. Lower levels of light ensure that the correct hormones for sleep are released and will relax you into a peaceful night of rest.
