Is tossing and turning your regular night routine? Does your search history include keywords like how to improve your sleep habits? Are your sleep habits adversely affecting your health and wellness?
Unhealthy habits and lifestyle choices can not only adversely affect your mood, health, immune system, vitality and weight but also your sleep. Poor sleep can result in you feeling tired and drained affecting how your mind and body function and impacting your ability to concentrate.
A good night’s sleep is important, each night, and if you are not getting your 6-8 hours of sleep we got you covered. Here are our top practical tips on how to improve your sleep habits for better health and wellness
- Pay attention to what you eat and drink
Going to bed either hungry or stuffed is sure to disturb your sleep. Avoid large or heavy meals atleast an hour before you hit the bed. Besides, nicotine, caffeine and alcohol also take hours to wear off from your system. Alcohol might make you sleepy at first, however, it can disrupt your sleep later. Better to keep it light before you hit the sack.
- Limit daytime naps
Long daytime naps can keep you awake at night. Limit your daytime naps to under an hour and make sure to not take a nap later in the evening. It can interfere with your nighttime sleep. However, if you work nights, you might want to catch up on your daytime naps.
- Learn to manage your worries
It’s better to resolve what’s on your mind before you hit the bed. If it’s not possible, jot it down and learn to set it aside for the next day. Stress management will help you with not only your sleep but overall health and well-being.
- Take a relaxing bath
When looking for an answer to the question of how to improve your sleep habits, the answer that pops up a lot of times is to take a shower before you sleep. You might feel that a bath would take away your sleep but it’s the opposite. Taking a warm bath an hour or so before your sleep time relaxes you and improves your sleep quality.
- Control your exposure to light
Expose yourself to bright sunlight in the morning and avoid bright screens an hour or two before your sleep time. Let as much natural light into your space as possible during the day and at night, when it’s time to sleep, make sure the room is dark.
- Exercise for a good night’s sleep
If you exercise regularly you will notice a change in your sleep patterns. You feel more active during the day and sleep better at night. Time your exercise right for better sleep. Exercising too close to your bedtime can interfere with your sleep. However, certain yoga asanas or gentle stretching in the evening can be good for better sleep.
- Improve your environment
A peaceful bedtime routine can help you sleep better. Make small but significant changes to your sleep environment so that your brain signals your body it is time to rest. Keep your room comfortable, reduce the noise and dim the lights.
Want to learn more about the importance of sleep? Check out our blogs related to sleep habits or register your profile and connect with one of our nurse wellness care navigators to learn how they can help you address your questions on how to improve your sleep habits for better health and wellness.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog or in any linked material is not intended and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For holistic health advice and consultation, visit My Well Self.
