Sweet Dreams: Tips for Getting a Good Night's Rest
A good night's sleep is essential for physical and mental health. Unfortunately, many of us struggle to get the rest we need due to stress, anxiety, or even just our busy lives. Here are some tips from Haute Green Tea to help you get a better night's sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.
Establish a Bedtime Schedule
Creating a bedtime routine can be helpful in getting your body ready for sleep. This could include taking a warm bath or shower, reading a book, or doing some light stretching before bed. Having this routine will help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down and get ready for sleep.
Invest in a Better Mattress and Bedding
If you’ve had the same mattress for more than eight years, then it may be time for an upgrade. A good mattress should provide support and comfort so that you can get the restful sleep you need. Consider investing in a quality mattress that is tailored to your needs so that you can wake up feeling well-rested each morning.
Investing in new and comfortable bedding like a duvet, sheets, and pillows can improve your quality of sleep by providing better support, regulating temperature, and reducing allergens. You can find an elegantly-designed custom bed set from artists around the world. Some companies offer on-demand printing options so designs are never out of stock.
Drink Less Caffeine
Caffeine is known to have stimulating effects on the body which can make it difficult to fall asleep at night. Try limiting caffeine intake after 2 pm so that your body has enough time to process it before going to bed. If you’re having trouble sleeping even after cutting back on caffeine, consider other sources of energy such as herbal tea or green juice instead. If you drink ginger ale, some of these drinks contain caffeine so always check the product label.
Exercise Consistently
Exercising on a regular basis is essential for maintaining both physical and mental health. It helps to increase endorphins which can in turn improve your mood and reduce stress levels. Aiming for 30 minutes of exercise every day is ideal; however, make sure to avoid exercising too close to bedtime as it may make it difficult to fall asleep.
Refrain from Drinking Before Bedtime
Alcohol can make it easier to fall asleep at first, but it disrupts the body's deeper REM cycle which is necessary for getting a good night's rest. Drinking before bedtime can result in more disturbances in sleep patterns and lead to poor quality of rest in the long run. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcohol intake close to bedtime for better overall quality of sleep.
Detox from Electronics Before Bedtime
Blue light emitted from electronic devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops can interfere with melatonin production. Melatonin is an important hormone required for regulating our circadian rhythms (sleep/wake cycle). Unplugging from devices one hour before bedtime and avoiding blue light during this hour (e.g., using dim lighting or candles instead) can help promote better sleep habits.
Set Boundaries as a Remote Worker
Working remotely has its advantages, but it can also make it difficult to switch off when work hours are done. To avoid this, setting boundaries such as creating designated work areas within your home and specific times for work will help in maintaining healthy sleeping patterns. Taking regular breaks throughout the day can ensure that remote workers do not burn out.
Getting enough sleep is essential for our physical and mental well-being. Unfortunately, many of us struggle with getting adequate amounts due to stress, anxiety, and busy lives. Fortunately, there are plenty of strategies we can use to get better rest including avoiding alcohol close-up bedtimes, unplugging from devices, and avoiding blue light in the hours leading up to bedtime. Taking these steps should help anyone looking into improving their sleeping habits achieve better quality rest over time.
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