Never underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep, especially for your health and wellbeing. Here are some tips on how to make your slumber mindful and high quality.
Stick to a schedule
Try not to sleep too late and live by the rule of thumb: go to bed early and rise early. This can help your body clock pick up the habit and give you the eight hours’ beauty sleep you deserve.
Sleep supporters
Don’t overlook the importance of having a comfortable mattress and pillows. A good mattress is not only comfortable but also supportive. Your mattress and pillows are not immortal, so remember to change them when they have passed their lifetime. While you’re at it, throw in some quality bed sheets that suit you.
Set the clock
Sometimes you need a little reminder that you need eight hours of sleep, so set your alarm to remind you of bedtime, and not just to wake yourself up. In addition, help your body clock tune into healthy sleeping rhythms by exposing yourself to more sunlight in the morning, and avoiding bright light in the evening.
Cut the caffeine
Avoid consuming caffeine later in the day. While many of us swear by caffeine to start the day, it’s not a good way to end it. Caffeine stimulates your nervous system and can get in the way of your body naturally relaxing in the evening. Caffeine can affect your body for six to eight hours, so it’s best not to consume caffeine after 3pm. If you’re really craving a cup of joe, there’s always decaffeinated coffee.
Log off
Having a calming and soothing activity before bed helps you get a good night’s sleep, such as light reading. That said, avoid using electronic devices like laptops and mobile phones, as the type of light emanating from these devices stimulates the brain. So log off, let your mind and body relax, and let Mr. Sandman take care of the rest.
