This week I really want to focus on a topic that I feel is very important and taken for granted often; SLEEP. While the concept of sleep may seem basic - fall asleep and stay asleep for 6-8 hours - the actual process and quality of our sleep matters just as much. When we don’t get enough deep sleep, our entire system suffers. Everything from our eating to our emotional regulation to our cognitive functioning suffers and these tired days can feel like they drag out and are filled with negativity. In this post, I am attaching a link to the NHS’s “Why lack of sleep is bad for your health” information page in case anyone wants to expand their knowledge on the importance of sleep. However; the rest of this post is about tips and tricks to help you get a better night's rest:
1. No screens before bed! I know this is hard to do because our whole worlds are on our phones, but turning your screens off an hour before bed can really help you fall asleep easier. Try reading a book or writing in a journal instead.
2. Try meditation before bed. There are several apps such as “Calm” or “Sanity and Self” that have meditations to help you fall asleep.
3. Cut back on the coffee and sugar before bed. This seems obvious but even a glass of juice a couple hours before bed contains a lot of sugar that can contribute to a restless night of sleep.
4. Create a bed-time routine. Sometimes just having a simple routine of washing your face, brushing your teeth and moisturizing before bed can help build a structure around your sleep schedule that helps you feel ready for bed faster.
None of these are a sure-fire way to sleep. Having a good diet and lots of exercise throughout the day are super important too and even then, anxiety and stress can contribute to sleepless nights. If that is the case, reach out to a counsellor, or even your doctor if you think you need help sleeping.
Comments