Can you remember the last time you truly felt well rested? Life can be exhausting, and that probably isn’t going to change, but good, revitalizing sleep is possible. The first step is to stop sabotaging your rest with these habits (or lack thereof):
Blue Light
TV, energy efficient light bulbs, cell phones, and other digital screens are all sources of blue light. Studies have shown that blue light exposure suppresses your body’s production of melatonin, a hormone essential in falling asleep. So, if you look at your phone or laptop or watch TV close to bedtime, you may be sabotaging your body’s ability to fall and stay asleep. Try powering down and dimming the lights for the last few hours of your evening.
Inconsistency
You know that routines are great for your kids, but did you know that you could use one, too? Having a nighttime routine that winds you down after a stressful day will help you fall asleep easier. It’s also beneficial to go to bed and wake up at the same times every day, even on weekends because your body’s circadian rhythm thrives on consistency.
Dinner
High-fat foods eaten at dinner time can cause stomach issues that last well into the night. Instead of giving yourself a stomach ache that’s going to keep you awake, keep dinner light and well portioned.
The Same Old Mattress
Recommendations to replace your mattress every 7 years aren’t just sales gimmicks. The odds are that after that much regular use, your mattress is too worn out to provide the support your body needs to sleep well. That means the mattress you inherited from nana’s house when you got your first place has probably outlived its welcome.
