Do you constantly rely on coffee or Red Bull to stay awake during class? Have you ever found yourself driving while drowsy? Are you unable to wake up without several alarms? Do you just wish you could skip class and take a nap? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, you may be hurting your health by not getting enough sleep.
Lack of sleep can be detrimental to your physical and mental well-being, causing stress, irritability, impaired memory, and at it’s worst, dangerous driving. Not getting enough sleep increases your appetite, and leads to overeating and unhealthy weight gain.
Getting good sleep can lead to better memory, improved performance in school and the workplace, sharper attention span and focus, as well as improved well-being and happiness.
Most adults need between 6-10 hours of sleep each night, though everyone’s individual sleep needs vary. Some people function best with 9 hours of sleep, and others need a mere 6 hours. Whatever your ideal amount of sleep may be, find out what it is, and try your best to stick to it weekly. Use the tips below to start getting the best sleep possible!
6 Tips for Better Sleep
Turn off all electronics an hour before sleeping. The blue screens of our phones, laptops, and TV’s can be our enemies when it comes to getting drowsy. Use an app like Flux or Twilight to dim your screens, and get more zzz’s.
Keep your bedroom at a consistent temperature, and make sure to minimize lights before sleeping. Harsh lights can keep you from dozing off earlier, and rapid changes in temperature can keep you up.
Get regular exercise. Tire yourself out by hiking, running, or swimming. Your body will be ready to recover earlier, and you will be able to stay asleep longer.
Create a bedtime routine. Take a hot shower, meditate, read a book, or lightly stretch to relax.
Watch what you eat or drink. Be careful of caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, large meals, or lack of food closer to your bedtime.
Keep anxiety and stress in check. Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and calm visualizations help to keep you calm. Use a journal to write down all your worries, and make a mental note to save it all for tomorrow.
Do you have any tips for better sleep? Do you have a routine for getting to sleep? Comment below!
Before going to bed I try to detox my head with all the thoughts. The, I meditate, a I’ll yoga and stretches. It really helps me to get a good night sleep.
I recite mantras for about half-an-hour before going to bed. This helps me to clear my mind and I sleep very well after that.