If you’re having a hard time getting to sleep, you’re not alone, millions of people including myself suffer from a bad sleeping regime due an enormous range of reasons. For me it was due to not winding down before sleep and having a head full of worries, I wasn’t preparing for sleep as you are advised to, I simply went to bed and expected to be able to get to sleep with my mind still whizzing around. There are other reasons too, for example too much caffeine being consumed during the day wasn’t the best idea and perhaps another factor not considered much, my bed and pillow were dreadfully uncomfortable. But obviously after my realizations I made some solid changes to my sleeping habits and took some steps to ensure I slept better and increased my energy levels as a result, so here are 6 ways to help you sleep better:
1. Your Diet
It’s so important to consider your diet when thinking about your sleeping regime, you probably know about tea, coffee and other drinks containing caffeine, however like me you probably just ignore their effects. It’s so important to limit your intake of food and drinks containing caffeine, especially in the evening, instead try drinking water to keep you hydrated and perhaps a hot non-caffeinated drink such as warm milk before bed, it helps keep you warm and relax you, preparing you for a sleeping state.
2. Calm Your Mind
This is easier said than done, but it’s vital you try to avoid over working your mind and getting yourself stressed before sleep. As a mother and business woman this isn’t always simple, but a good way to avoid worrying is to put your focus into something else, perhaps your breathing, or listening to calming music?
3. No TV or Electronics in the Bedroom!
Having your TV, laptop, computer or any other distraction in your bedroom or near your bed is a very bad idea. Constantly getting distracted by your favourite show, a text message on your phone or latest app is exactly what you don’t want when trying to get a good night’s sleep, so ban all electrons from your slumber chamber!
4. Have a Soak
I don’t know about you, but after a nice hot bath in my favourite bubble bath I feel so relaxed and calm, a perfect state for sleeping. Try adding a few essential oils to your bath for an extra calming affect too, it’s pure bliss. Here’s an interesting article on how baths benefit you: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/07/benefits-of-baths_n_4228366.html
5. Pillows
Now this is a biggy, like most people I slept with a saggy old cheap pillow for years and thought nothing of it, but the truth is these are terrible for your neck and spine, can lead to aches and pains in the morning and awful posture. I purchased a memory foam pillow and my neck was supported better than ever, plus it was so comfortable and I would never revert back to a heap old nasty pillow, that’s for sure. You can find some great pillow reviews over at PillowFocus.
6. Calming Music
Nice chill out music played at a low volume can be so soothing and take your mind to a completely different space, making you feel completely relaxed and ready for sleep. I usually play water noises and haps, I find it so enchanting and comforting before bed.