There is no doubting the importance of getting a quality night of sleep. It helps you be more productive, personable and even helps your mind and body stay healthy. Unfortunately, poor sleep is very common in the USA as over 10% of Americans report getting insufficient sleep every night. That represents tens of millions of people.
One of the biggest indicators on how well you sleep is your nightly routine. A good one can prepare you well for a restful sleep, while a poor one keeps you up and contributes to a lack of sleep. But how can you improve this nightly routine to help you sleep better and longer?
Without any further ado, this article is going to go over some tips to help you improve both your nightly routine and the sleep you are getting each and every night.
Get a Better Mattress
The first key to any better sleep is considering your mattress. A bad mattress that is saggy and unsupportive can make your sleep painful and not restful in the least. If you are experiencing sleep issues and your mattress is old, it might be time to get a new one.
There are several different types of mattresses out there from innerspring mattresses, to foam mattresses, to latex and many others. Each mattress category has hundreds of different options from many different companies and suppliers. Be sure to scour the internet for reviews and information on some of the best to make sure they work for you.
For example, if you want an innerspring mattress, be sure to look at one of the mattresses that Us Mattress Said is among the best. Whichever mattress you choose, make sure it is the right size and allows you to be comfortable and supported all night long.
Find Ways to Relax Before Bed
The goal of your routine before bed should be to relax your body and prepare your mind for sleep. If you are relaxed, falling and staying asleep is much easier. Some great things to add to any nighttime routine include yoga, having a bath, reading, meditating and listening to calming music. Also, do your best to avoid using technology for at least an hour or so before bed, or at the very least, turn the brightness down.
If you skip all of this and simply try to go to sleep right after a busy day of work or after watching a scary movie, you will likely encounter some difficulty. Sure, you may eventually get to sleep but it simply won’t be as restful as it could have been.
Watch What You Eat and Drink
The food and drink you consume in the evening can directly influence how well you sleep. There are foods that are good, and others that are bad to consume before bed. You need to be very careful to choose the right things. The best things to eat in the evening are healthy and light snacks or meals like walnuts, cherries or bananas.
In terms of what to avoid, you should avoid things that are too heavy or fried, or are very spicy. These can make you quite uncomfortable and full, which isn’t great when you’re trying to sleep.
When it comes to beverages, the most obvious one to ignore is coffee. Anything with caffeine in it can give you energy and make it difficult for your body to release the relaxation hormones that help you fall asleep.
By using these aforementioned tips, you will be able to improve your nightly routines as well as your sleep. These tips are simple and can be implemented immediately to improve how you sleep.