Surprising benefits of a good night's rest
Posted on 31st January 2024
Sleep is an essential part of our lives. It's not just about resting and rejuvenating our bodies, but also about keeping our brains healthy and improving quiality of life. Sleep helps to maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure. It also helps to regulate moods, concentration, memory, creativity and more. But most importantly, it helps you stay focused on your goals and ambitions in life.
When you think about why you struggle to sleep, your mind may jump to medical conditions like sleep apnea or insomnia. But, there could be a much simpler reason why you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep. Different foods and drinks can have a significant impact on the quality of sleep you’re getting along with your levels of stress, temparature of your room (or you) and your bedtime routine, to mention a few.
Sleep is not something you can afford to skimp on. It affects every aspect of your life, from your physical health to your mental performance. By getting enough sleep, you can improve your well-being and achieve your goals. So, how can you sleep better?
Here are some quick tips to help you get started:
Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine before bed. These substances can interfere with your sleep quality and make you feel restless or jittery. Avoid consuming them at least 4 hours before bedtime and opt for water, herbal tea, or milk instead.
Create a comfortable and relaxing sleep environment. Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet and cool. You can use curtains, blinds, or an eye mask to block out any light and earplugs, a fan, or a white noise machine to mask any noise. You can also use aromatherapy, such as lavender or chamomile, to create a soothing atmosphere.
Stick to a regular sleep schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This will help your body clock adjust to a consistent rhythm and make it easier to fall asleep at night.
Limit your screen time before bed. The blue light emitted by your phone, computer, or TV can suppress your melatonin production, which is the hormone that regulates your sleep cycle. Avoid using these devices at least an hour before bed and read a book, listen to music, or meditate instead.
Exercise regularly, but not too close to bedtime. Physical activity can help you sleep better by reducing stress, improving your mood and tiring you out. However, exercising too late in the day can keep you awake, as it raises your body temperature and stimulates your nervous system. Aim to finish your workout at least 3 hours before bed and choose low-impact exercises, such as yoga, stretching, or walking.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a better quality of sleep and a better quality of life. Remember, sleep is not a luxury, but a necessity. So, treat yourself to some quality sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day. 😴
The 3 things I do to perpare for a good night's kip:
Have a warm bath
Turn my phone on to "Do not Disturb" at 7.30pm and leave it alone til the next morning
Read a couple of pages of a book before lights out. (I mean a physical book not an e-book!)
Night Night
Tagged as: Acaster Malbis, aromatherapy, Aromatherapy massage, Dealing with stress, destress, essential oils, me time, mental well-being, Novy, Novy Blog, Novy Health and Beauty, REST, Self Care, sleep, Stress Awareness, top tips
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