Many of us can get more sleep or at least better sleep. Sleep is too important; our bodies do much of our healing while at rest.
- Make sure your room is dark as possible – I’ve seen a lot of rooms with street lights glowing the whole space up, phones that go off, cable boxes, computers, etc…
- Try to wind down before bed – yes that means to put away the cell! Try to have some down time before bed for reading or maybe meditating…
- Don’t eat or drink right before bed, caffeine and alcohol especially – Really it means anything besides water. You may even limit that as it gets later because you don’t want to have to get up three times to pee.
- Set the alarm for a normal amount of time – By normal, I mean 6-8 hours. Most of us sleep about seven hours. There’s going to the bathroom, checking on the kids, etc.(time where you are awake).
- Physically tire yourself out – Especially aerobic exercise. Have you ever had a day where you were just exhausted from all the “stuff” you had to do. Try to stop your sleep on one of those days…
- Eat right – I have found that those with a healthier diet seem to do better. Good amounts of vegetables, less sugar, and less processed items. Try it; not only will you start to feel better, but you’ll sleep better too.
- Manage stress appropriately – those of us under continuous severe stress will have more trouble. Have you ever heard the line: “stress doesn’t necessarily cause anything, but it exacerbates anything and everything”. Need I say more?
- Stop smoking – It has been proven over and over, with studies, real life examples, you name it…
- Stop sleeping with pets – it’s similar with a little one, when they are fast asleep move them to their own crib or bed. If not they will dictate your sleeping position – and it’s usually not good.
- Lower the temperature a degree or two – This will help you sleep, you can always cover up.
- Get the tv out of the bedroom – Not only does it give you the opportunity to have something to do when you get up, it usually gives off some kind of light. Side note* – In the world of ever evolving technology, I have found colored masking tape extremely handy to cover up a number of unwanted lights from tv’s, cable boxes, and more.
- Have a comfy bed and pillow – I personally like the arc4life traction pillow. I use the standard/medium size and rarely sleep without it!
There you have it. These 12 items are sure to help you sleep. You may not be able to do all of them; I think the more you can do, the better.
Additional Reading:
1. Sleep with this pillow for the neck
3. Put this between the knees if a side sleeper
