Sleep is one of the most fundamental acts of self-care. When we get overwhelmed or stressed, sleep is usually the first sacrifice. When you lead a busy and sometimes stressful life, it can be challenging to get the amount of healthy sleep that you need. Today let’s look at ways to improve your sleeping pattern and to help you relax.
Yoga & Meditation
We live in such a fast-paced and digital world, which sometimes can have negative effects on our bodies and minds. With so much over-stimulation during the day, you might find that when it comes to the night time, it’s hard to switch off. Yoga and meditation can help you to relax and promote a sense of calm for the body and mind both. Many find that practicing yoga regularly helps them over time to destress and get a better nights sleep.
Have a schedule
It’s a good idea to set yourself a schedule so that you are waking up at the same time daily, and also going to sleep at the same time. Doing so will help your body and mind to establish a pattern that it follows and reduce the risk of you laying awake at night. There are many apps out there which can track your sleep, which might be worth a look. Some register your sleep and wake you at the right time. Others involve relaxation techniques such as yoga. Check out Mashable’s post on 7 mind-smoothing apps to help you sleep better.
Monitor Caffeine
There’s nothing wrong with drinking one or two coffees in the morning, but you won’t want to have a caffeine intake that’s too high. Avoiding consuming anything with caffeine in it too late in the day, as the effects may not wear off by the time you need to sleep. Drinking plenty of water and eating healthy foods will also set you up for a good night’s rest!
Electronic Devices
If you want to sleep better, it’s a good idea to stop watching TV or using iPhones and laptops at least a few hours before you go to bed. It’s better to indulge in a more peaceful activity such as reading or perhaps listening to some relaxing music to help yourself to unwind. Also keep the TV’s and laptops out the bedroom. That is the one room of your home where you should be able to find a peaceful calm at the end of a very long day. Every other room in the house is a space to be busy, to enjoy technology and generally live your life at a fast pace. When you walk into your bedroom, you should instantly feel a blanket of calm wash over you. Check out Enhance Your Calm With 9 Bedroom Techniques for more ideas.
Check your mattress
If you don’t have a good mattress, it’s unlikely that you will be comfortable enough to get a good night’s sleep. A low quality or old mattress is bad for your back and could contribute to aches, pains, and problems with your posture. Your mattress should suit your needs in terms of firmness and which side you most frequently sleep on.
Exercise
Lastly, ensuring that you get enough exercise during the day can help you sleep at night. Vigorous exercise is best, but even light exercise is better than no activity. Exercise at any time of day, but at least two hours before you sleep. Even one or two gym sessions a week after work can make a world of difference.
For a more in-depth look at improving your sleep, see
This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links but the opinions are my own.
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Great advice. I have found that cutting out caffeine and getting a new mattress has really helped with my sleeping. Getting more fresh air during the day too has made sure that most evenings I’m in bed by 10pm. lol
Me too! Sounds like you figured it out.
Yes switching off and having schedule defiantly helps me get a good night sleep X #mmbc
All terrific tips, Carol. Well worth keeping at hand when we get “careless!”
Great tips! I think my mobile phone is definitely an issue at night… It’s just so tempting to pick it up and check social media etc.