3 Ways to Get a Good Night’s Sleep (and the Life-Changing Benefits)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of American adults are not getting enough sleep on a regular basis. The lack of a good night’s sleep is a real public health problem. Not only is not getting enough sleep a real drag (no pun intended), but those who fall into the sleep-deprived category are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases like diabetes, depression, obesity, cancer, and that’s not to mention the reduction in quality of life.
Living creatures require air, water, food, shelter, and sleep to survive. It’s a fundamental necessity for our very existence. Sleep is when both our bodies and minds can rest, repair, and relax. Improving sleep can improve your health, increase your productivity, bring about more happiness in your life.
For most of us, better sleep is just around the corner. All it takes is a commitment to creating the right conditions and making the time to get enough sleep. There are some positive habits to practice that will make better sleep a possibility. Honestly, it’s not rocket science, but practice does make perfect.
3 Positive Habits for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
1. Give Screens a Rest – You have heard it before, but it bears repeating: Screens just don’t belong in the bedroom and should be avoided an hour or more before bedtime. Not only do screens keep your brain “on,” but they have been shown to be bright enough to interrupt the release of melatonin and disrupt the body’s internal clock.
2. Create a Routine – Create a bedtime routine to promote better sleep. Just like with small children, the introduction of bedtime rituals can help signal your body and your mind that it’s time to unwind and downshift from the day. Find a routine that makes sense to you. Some of us are partial to having a cup of herbal tea, playing with the cats, and applying coconut oil to our hands and feet before tucking into the covers, but find what works for you. As much as possible, keep to your routine to help cultivate it as a good habit.
3. Stick to a Sleep Schedule -Your body does not appreciate your varying sleep schedule. As much as possible, stick to a bedtime and get up at the same time every day. Your body is meant to operate on schedule, and when you vary your sleeping and waking times, it throws the whole system out of whack. And that’s not to mention the importance of getting a reasonable amount of sleep. You know the routine by now and it’s one to stick to: seven to nine hours of sleep every single night is what is recommended for most adults.
Remember to approach your day (and your life) by focusing on the quality and not the quantity of time in your day. If you’re a zombie all day from lack of sleep, it doesn’t matter you have more time in your day!
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