Hitting the hay for a full night of restful sleep is something we all look forward to, however, solutions to achieve it don’t come as easily. Good sleep hygiene and an inviting sleep environment are essential for getting those coveted “zzz’s” night after night. Read on to discover how to create a sleep-friendly environment for better, more restful sleep.
1. Enhancing Your Bedroom for Soothing Slumber
Getting a good night’s sleep is important for overall health and wellbeing, so it’s essential to have a calm and relaxing environment in your bedroom to help you get that much needed rest. Here are some simple ways to create a tranquil oasis for ultimate serenity.
- Declutter – Start with a good tidy up, ridding the room of any excess piles of stuff and items that no longer serve a purpose to bring some order and restore harmony.
- Lighting – Consider how the lighting affects your mood – avoid blue light emitting devices and opt for warm light bulbs or candles.
- Air Purifier – An air purifier will reduce allergens and pollutants, resulting in better sleep.
Scent – Aromatherapy has amazing health benefits and helps to promote restful sleep. Burn scented candles or use an essential oil diffuser to fill the air with lavender or chamomile that can help induce relaxation.
Décor – Green is the colour of calm, so incorporating plants in the bedroom can help to bring a sense of tranquillity. Choose calming wall colours and furnishings to create a serene ambience and don’t forget to opt for super soft and comfy bedding.
2. Crafting an Ideal Sleep Routine
starts with understanding your body’s needs. To know your body and what it needs to rest, start with logging your sleep. Remember that getting to bed at the same time every night is the best way to form a habit, and it is the foundation of a restful sleep.
Having a smart sleep routine takes into account all the elements needed for a relaxed and restorative sleep.
- Stay active and exercise regularly, but be careful not to do it too close to bedtime.
- Create a relaxed atmosphere in your bedroom that encourages sleep, this includes light, noise, temperature, and screens.
- Make sure to limit caffeine, alcohol, and other stimulants after the afternoon.
- Avoid having a heavy, large meal too close to when you plan to go to bed.
Evaluate your environment and situation too as they play a big role in how well you rest. Reduce any possible sources of stress, and create an environment that is inviting and comfortable. This could include using noise-reducing technology, adjusting light sources, avoiding electronics, and taking calming activities such as reading or meditating before bed.
3. Unwinding Before Bedding Down
At the end of a long, jam-packed day, nothing beats a relaxing evening of .
Here are a few things you can do to help yourself wind down after a busy day:
- Set aside time for yourself ― Allow yourself a half an hour or so to do something you enjoy.
- Turn off electronics ― Your bedroom is not the place for phones, computers, or TVs.
- Indulge in some yoga or meditation ― Taking time to focus on your breath can be profoundly calming.
- Enjoy some quiet tunes ― Soft classical music will help you relax and unwind.
Taking some hot herbal lachena tea can be a great way to soothe the mind and the body. Chamomile tea in particular is excellent for calming and relaxing with its subtle, sweet flavour. You can sip it in silence or listen to gentle tunes and let it take the stress of the day away.
Finally, draw yourself a warm, scented bubble bath. The steam and the aroma of bath salts can be incredibly calming. Whether it’s lavender, rose or lemon, choose a scent that speaks to you and relax with a cup of tea. Now you are ready to bed down and get your much-needed rest.
4. Minimizing Sleep Interruptions
Many of us struggle with getting quality sleep due to interruptions of various kinds.
Here are four ways to prevent sleep interruptions:
- Limit caffeine intake: Caffeine can remain in your system for up to 8 hours and affect your ability to fall asleep. Consider not drinking anything with caffeine for at least six hours before bed.
- Avoid liquids before bed: Avoid liquids and limit food intake for several hours before bedtime. This will help you avoid waking during the night to use the restroom.
- Create a comfortable sleep environment: Keeping your bedroom cool and dark can increase melatonin production and help you get more quality sleep. Also, investing in a comfortable mattress and pillows can make a real difference.
- Minimize light stimuli: Dimming electronic devices before bed can help regulate your internal clock. You can also download apps that block blue light that suppresses melatonin.
Getting quality sleep often requires more than simply getting enough hours of sleep. Taking proactive steps to minimize sleep disturbances can help you get restful, restorative sleep.
5. Say Goodbye to Unhealthy Sleep Habits
As exciting as a Netflix marathon is, it can be detrimental to one’s health when those habitually replace bedtime. This type of behavior is a mainstay of unhealthy sleep habits and it’s time to say goodbye!
Good nights of rest are connected to improved overall health. The path to improved wellbeing is largely reliant on optimal sleeping routine. That means establishing a sleep schedule that begins at a consistent time each night. Choose a time that your body will recognize as the best time to fall asleep. To make it easier to keep this commitment to the same sleep time, prepare for the night early – set your alarm and begin your nighttime routine 30 minutes to an hour before you intend to sleep.
Are screens distracting you from getting enough rest? Consider a tech-shutdown. Turn off devices at least an hour before bed. Take away the temptation to overstimulate your mind late at night. Replace technology with activities that promote good health, such as:
- meditating
- reading
- stretching/yoga
- journaling
Once established, healthy habits become second nature. We can kiss goodbye to unhealthy sleep habits and enjoy all the health benefits associated with quality rest.
With a few simple changes to your sleep hygiene, you’ll be able to get better rest and better improve your life – all in the time it takes for a decent evening snooze. Fuel your nights with all the right elements, and create a sleep-friendly environment that’s just perfect for sound sleep and peaceful dreams.
