Some people sleep soundly while others are restless sleepers struggling to switch off when they hit the pillow. Getting fit and hitting your fitness goals is almost impossible if you’re never getting enough sleep. Assuming you’ve ruled out medical reasons for poor sleep, try adopting these healthy living habits to help you sleep better…
Related post: The Importance Of Rest, Sleep And Recovery
12 Habits To Sleep Well At Night
#1 Reduce Blue Light Exposure In The Evening
Blue light exposure stimulates the brain and makes it difficult to fall asleep at night. Sound sleepers avoid using digital devices in the hour before bedtime. Use a blue light filter to reduce exposure in the evenings.
#2 Avoid Caffeine Late In The Day
Caffeine is a stimulant that comes in many disguises; tea, coffee, energy drinks, and cola are the obvious ones. Less obvious sources of caffeine are chocolate, ice cream, breakfast cereals, and headache remedies.
People who sleep well avoid these stimulants in the evenings. Even small amounts of caffeine can have an effect on how well you sleep.
#3 Don’t Take Long Daytime Naps
While a short catnap of 20 minutes can be a great energy boost, long naps will leave you feeling disorientated. Long daytime naps can also prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep.
You may feel really tired but try and last out to bedtime. Good sleepers avoid long naps during the day.
#4 Sleep And Wake At Consistent Times
This is key to getting a good night’s sleep and waking refreshed. Develop a regular routine. Good sleepers stick to going to bed and waking up at consistent times.
Try scheduling an alarm to remind yourself to go to bed. Getting to bed earlier is one of the best tips for becoming a better morning person.
#5 Avoid Alcohol Before Bed
Forget the nightcap unless you want to be wide awake when your head hits the pillow. Alcohol will keep you awake or affect the quality of your sleep. People who sleep well avoid drinking in the few hours before they hit the pillow.
#6 Have A Sleep Inducing Environment
We are all affected by our immediate environment. Your bedroom needs to be relaxing and at a temperature that’s not too cold or too hot. Good sleepers have bedrooms where the focus is on sleep.
Try and minimize the effect of external noise and light pollution within your bedroom.
#7 Pick A Comfy Bed
Having a good bed, a supportive pillow, and a comfortable mattress is essential for a good night’s sleep. Young children may be able to sleep anywhere on anything, but it’s not the same when you’re an adult.
Sleep well by investing in a comfy bed. You’ll soon notice the difference!
#8 Don’t Eat Late
Eating late at night can keep you tossing and turning all night. Avoid eating a big meal in the evening that leaves you over-full when you go to bed. Good sleepers avoid eating just before bed.
#9 Get A Pre-Sleep Routine
Good sleepers stick to a routine before they go to bed. Read for a while, switch off your phone, and find a way to relax.
Meditating before bedtime can be a good way to relax and prepare for sleep. It’s a good way to reduce stress.
#10 Take A Bath Or Shower
A bath or shower can be a good way to unwind before bedtime. Good sleepers often use this technique to shed the worries of the day.
#11 Exercise Regularly
Try exercising regularly during the day and see how it improves your sleep patterns. People who sleep well work exercise into their daily routine.
Even a brief fast-paced walk for 20 minutes or 15-minute daily yoga practice will help. Just don’t exercise just before going to bed.
#12 Avoid Drinking Fluids Just Before Bedtime
Tempted to have a hot drink before bed? Make sure it’s one to two hours before you turn in. Good sleepers know to avoid drinking fluids just before bed.
While it’s important to stay hydrated, getting up for a trip to the loo in the small hours will affect your sleep quality.
Don’t Neglect Your Sleep Routine
Insomnia is a real drain on your quality of life and getting better sleep helps to boost your immune system. It’s hard to work on improving your fitness and loving life if you’re not getting quality sleep.