Are you desperate for a better night’s sleep? You’re so not alone. There’s so much science that proves what a lack of sleep does – impaired focus, reduced cognitive ability, mood swings, and effects on multiple organs and body systems. But you probably don’t need us to tell you. If you’re one of the 1 in 5 people in the UK who aren’t getting the right level of sleep, all you need to do is open your eyes in the morning (if they are even closed) to know how bad it makes you feel.
So, are you desperate to feel more rested? Read on to learn how to get better sleep.
You Need a Sleep-Inducing Environment
A sleep-inducing environment? Surely that’s just a dark room and a bed? Wrong! Your environment is everything. It’s the temperature, the feel of your bedding, the amount of screens turned on in your room, silence or no silence. The list could go on.
You need a bedroom designed for optimal sleep is crucial. That means maintaining a cool (science proves it’s easier to fall asleep in cold rooms), quiet, and dark atmosphere that promotes relaxation. Some people like to fall asleep to white noise – which, if it works for you, then that’s OK. But note – some research proves white noise gives you broken sleep.
Establishing a Pre-Sleep Routine
No, you’re not a baby, but there’s a reason why bedtime routines do work well for babies. It’s called good sleep hygiene. Setting yourself up for a good night’s sleep. It can be anything from this list (and more):
● Reading a book
● Journalling
● Having a bath
● Skincare routine
● Turning screens off an hour before sleep
● Take supplements
● Avoid anything stimulating
Diet and Nutrition’s Role in Sleep
What you eat significantly impacts your sleep quality – more than you might think. Yes, you might eat an Indian or Chinese for dinner and pass out, but you’re almost always destined to wake up. The same goes for consuming caffeine late in the day. Well, and it works for any heavy meal. That’s why they say you shouldn’t eat 3 hours before bed so the food can digest. Yes, we’re talking to you, late-night entire pack of biscuit eaters.
Exploring Sleep Aids
Of course, you can always turn to sleep aids. There are definitely enough of them on the market. But you have to pick with consideration. You want one that’s actually going to work for you. There are melatonin supplements, they’re a popular choice for a lot of people. But you can’t get it in the UK. You can in Europe. There are also herbal teas and supplements – but not everyone thinks they work. Or there are newer options like HHC, similar to THC. You can buy HHC products at Moonbarguy.
Exercise and Its Impact on Sleep
Sorry to say it, if you don’t like regularly exercising. It literally helps to tire you out once you get over the post-workout high. If that even exists for you, anyway. Some people will swear it’s a myth.
There’s also science that proves it regulates the circadian rhythm. Even just a walk will do the trick.
By embracing these strategies and making them part of your routine, you can look forward to feeling more rested and revitalised in 2024.
You will need to experiment and find what works for you – everyone swears on different techniques, and that’s fine. The key is actually putting the effort in. The health benefits of getting a full night’s sleep are incredible.
