Lack of quality and quantity of sleep is a major problem in the lives of most Americans today.
Our hectic lives seem to take over and a good night’s sleep becomes the last priority on a long list of stressful things to do.
Many people do not realize how important sleep is to living a productive and stress-free life.
Here are some tips you can use in order to make your time in the sheets as beneficial as possible.
1. Use a Fan
This is an easy change that makes a huge difference in one’s quality of sleep.
Studies show that steady noise from a fan can drown out noise and too much silence in the room and help your mind and body rest peacefully.
If you do not want to buy a fan, consider downloading an app on your phone that makes a steady noise such as wind or rain.
2. Reduce the Temperature
Turning down the thermostat in the room will help you stay asleep longer. When your body is cold and covered up by the sheets, you will feel comfortable.
Becoming hot in the middle of the night causes you to toss and turn and wake up more frequently. The perfect nighttime temperature for your home should be around 68 degrees.
3. Say No to Electronics
You have probably heard it plenty of times before, but looking at phone and television screens before bed will cause your mind and body to stay awake when it should be resting.
By turning off all electronics an hour before you go to sleep, your body will be able to wind down into sleep. Consider reading a book before bed to break other bad habits.
4. Reduce Caffeine Intake
Consuming caffeine as early as 1pm in the afternoon can affect the way you sleep at night.
If you need caffeine to get through the day, drink it earlier in the morning in order for it to wear off by the time you get into bed.
Caffeine is a stimulant and though it can be your best friend at work, it can turn into your worst nightmare at night.
5. Keep Your Sleep Schedule Strict
Lastly, it is important to keep your sleep schedule strict if you want to get the best quality of sleep. Go to bed at the same time every night and, even on the weekends, try not to sleep in too much.
Training your body to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day will make it much easier for you to feel rested.
Remember that eight hours is the recommended amount of sleep every person should get each night.
However, even if you don’t get the full eight hours every night, use these tips to make sure the sleep you do get, is sleep worth your while.
Small changes can make a big difference in your sleep quality and in turn, you will find your quality of life improve as well.