Think of your body as a battery that needs a recharge every night. Sleep is that much-needed energy boost. Never the less, it’s a huge problem for many to easily drift off to dreamland. Tonight let’s identify and toss out a few of your bedtime habits that could be conspiring against your nighttime peace.
1. Cut Back on Caffeine
You might love your late afternoon coffee, but chances are this love is unrequited when it messes up your sleep schedule. You find caffeine in coffee, tea, chocolate, and even some fizzy drinks. Devouring it in the evening can make it a challenge to fall asleep. The hard rule? No caffeine 4-6 hours before it’s lights out.
2. Avoid Gadgets
We all have been victims of the endless twists and turns of the internet before bedtime. However, your favorite devices could be sleep thieves with their blue light blocking the sleep-inducer hormone – melatonin. Try to shut off your devices at least an hour before sleep time.
3. Don’t Overeat
A scrumptious and heavy dinner right before you tuck under your blanket? It’s a big Sleep no-no! Heavy meals could cause discomfort and affect sleep. Have a light dinner instead, two to three hours before your scheduled sleep. Skip the spicy and oily food as it could lead to indigestion and interrupt your shut-eye.
4. Dodge Intense Workouts
Exercise is excellent for a good night’s rest, but activities akin to intense cross-training right before your bedtime? An equally intense challenge for sleep. Your shut-eye might just run away with your skyrocketing pulse rate. Wind up your workout sessions 2-3 hours before you hit the bed.
5. Skip the Night Cap
You might toss and turn without your nightcap, but alcohol only serves an initial drowsiness. It could lead to broken sleep and frequent overnight wakefulness, ruining your sleep quality. Bid adieu to any form of alcohol close to bedtime.
Bottom Line
Peaceful sleep is crucial for our body and mind. Streamlining your habits before bed can help you improve your sleep quality leading to more vibrant mornings. A calm bedtime routine and conducive sleeping corner can do much good. If sleep still manages to elude you, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a healthcare practitioner.
