#49 Sleep - Five Tips for Better Sleep!
#49 Sleep and Feeling GoodOur feeling good is dependent on many things and one of those things is surely our sleep. You probably remember times when you didn't get enough sleep and how that stifled feeling good. Maybe you were up too late studying for an exam, tending a crying baby into the night or a host of other possible reasons to lose sleep. Sound sleep brings us a much better chance of feeling good. With that in mind let's offer five ideas for better sleep:
1. Get some exercise during the day. Even a short 20 minute walk during the day can help with sleep. Exercise during the day will help. Remember the days you were exhausted from an abundance of physical activity? Did you sleep better? Probably.
2. Develop a pre-sleep ritual. Doing the same things before you go to sleep each day can help the body and the mind let go and move into sleep. Many find it helpful to relax a bit. Maybe a short breathing exercise? Maybe a quick list of what you feel grateful for that day? Find what works for you.
3. Try to go to sleep at close to the same time each night. Consistency helps. The body and mind get accustomed to the rhythm. Experts tell us that a regular and consistent time to go to sleep helps regulate your body's clock.
4. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine and large meals prior to sleeping. These are obviously detrimental to your sleep.
5. Limit exposure to screens before bed: The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with your body's natural sleep-wake cycle. Try to avoid screens (such as smartphones, tablets, and computers) for at least an hour before bedtime.
TRY THIS
If you find yourself waking in the middle of the night do what you can to get back to sleep. Set a time limit to get back to sleep and if you fail to fall to sleep within that time, get up and do the chores around the house that you like the least. This way you will at least get something done and maybe will go to sleep to avoid it! Keep in mind that laying in bed awake but still does give some degree of rest.
Feel good!