1. Exercise regularly
Exercise is far more than just a way to stay fit and healthy; it’s also an excellent tool for achieving better sleep. Moving around during the day stimulates your metabolism, which in turn gives your body more energy when it comes time to rest at night.
Of course, it’s important to know the best kinds of exercises and when to do them in order to maximize their effects on getting a good night’s sleep; even low impact activities like walking or yoga can have positive long-term effects. Exercise is thus a great way to stay healthy while still ensuring that you’ve given yourself the best chance of getting some well-deserved shut eye.
2. Familiarize yourself with the sleep phases
During a night of quality rest, the body experiences several distinct states of sleep throughout its journey. Light dozing (Stage 1) can be easily disturbed as the body moves into its deeper cycles, like deep sleep (Stage 4) and REM sleep (Stage 5).
The entire circle of these stages takes about one and a half hours to complete before it starts over again. It’s normal for there to be moments where the sleeping person only has superficial slumber in between each cycle, and you may even feel like you are partially alert during that time. Don’t let this feeling of wakefulness trigger anxiety or stress – trust that your body is doing its job right and giving you an opportunity for some restorative shut-eye.
3. Practice deep breathing
Taking a few extra moments to incorporate deep breathing exercises can be an effective way to not only help you relax, but also prepare for sleep. You should begin preparing for sleep long before you go to bed, your living space should be a great place to relax and unwind, read these Burrow couch evaluations. By focusing on taking in deep breaths and steadily releasing them as you count to four each time, your heart rate is automatically regulated and the mind is made soothed. It may not seem like much, but this simple technique can become quite invaluable if it is resorted to each day while sitting and relaxing on the sofa.
4. Say no to sleeping pills
While sleeping aids and pills may seem like a convenient solution to a problem with sleep, they should not be used as a regular treatment option. Conditioning your body to rely on artificial triggers for rest could lead to the user becoming increasingly dependent on them.
Such reliance can consequently make it even harder to tackle the initial problem effectively in the long run. Therefore, if you’re experiencing sleep problems seek out natural remedies instead of relying heavily on pharmaceutical solutions.
5. Be open to alternative approaches
A healthy lifestyle is one in which good sleep comes naturally, and alternative exercise can be a great way to get there. Examples such as yoga and pilates provide low-impact workouts that benefit both the body and the mind, conditioning both for improved sleep. With dedication and mindfulness, these exercises can develop a routine into a healthy lifestyle where quality rest comes easy.
6. Time your naps
The afternoon slumber can come as a blessing, especially when the day has been tiring or tedious. Taking a brief nap in the early afternoon, around 2 pm when energy usually takes a downturn, is an excellent way to revitalize and refresh for the remainder of the day.
Still, timing is of utmost importance since too long (over 20 minutes) of an afternoon snooze could disrupt overall sleep quality in the night. A timed nap will leave you feeling energized and ready to take on any challenges that may arise later on.
7. Take a shower before bed
A warm shower may be the key to falling into a deep and restful sleep. Taking a hot shower an hour before bedtime can lead to better quality sleep as it serves as a natural signal to the body that it is time for bed.
The steamy bathroom environment helps to warm up the body, followed by an adjustment period as it cools down and prepares for sleep. This transition is essential for good health, and taking a shower right before bed could make all the difference in how well you rest.
