There are few things I love more than sleep. That doesn’t mean I have always made it a priority.
There was that time in Kindergarten when I refused to take a nap. Or in college when I was pretty sure I my term papers were best written at 2am. Or when I started this business and found that the best time to work was after the small people went to bed…until about 3:30 in the morning.
But you know what happens when you don’t get enough sleep? Your day and productivity suffer. Your mind, mental energy and happiness ebb. And your health isn’t everything it could be.
5 Tips to Get Your Best Sleep Ever
Avoid Caffeine Late in the Day – Right. Sometimes you are looking for a little afternoon pick-me-up…but that can easily turn in to a keep-me-up and that is the last thing you want. Try reaching for water instead to keep you hydrated.
Skip that Nap – I know you are tired. I know you stayed up a little too late last night watching that movie, chatting with your friends, reading that book you just can’t put down, but the truth is – trying to catch up in the middle of the day will prevent you from settling down later when your body needs to begin it’s full sleep for the night.
Establish a Sleep Schedule – pick a time. Any time. And try to stick to it. This goes for what time you are GOING to bed AND what time you get up. And yes, I’m talking weekends too. Your body needs to know you are committing to it and giving it the goodness it needs.
Create a Relaxing Ritual – Maybe you like a warm bath, a warm cup of decaf tea or it could be a comforting scent that helps you to relax (I love lavender). But pick a ritual that you can follow each night. It will trigger your body that sleep is coming. (Did I mention I also sleep with a teddy bear?)
What tips do you have to make sure you get, not only all the sleep you need, but the very best kind?
Disclosure: Thank you to Serta and Mattress Firm for partnering with me to share my tips for a wonderful night’s sleep.
Firstly, I LOVE your bedroom. It’s gorgeous! That bed is divine!!! Secondly, it’s like you’re reading my mind… I’ve battled sleep for about 6 years now and have tried everything and still the magic formula evades me. What brings some relieve – a) banana tea – what doesn’t kill you makes you sleep a little better; b) magnesium supplement right after supper; c) Himalayan sale and salt lamp; d) essential oils; e) chiro also helped with night-time aches and pains due to terrible old mattress; f) cool down the room / body – this is very effective. I slept in PJs the last two nights – well, I stayed awake in it. 🙁 – too hot!; g) MSM supplement works really well; h) exercise. UGH. I don’t do all of it every day, or even on a regular basis, but that’s what’s worked for me in addition to your tips.
Ohhhh – thank you so much – I actually just got the bedding as well and I’m in love with it AND my new mattress. I no nothing about banana tea – I have never heard of it – I assume it is mild and calming? You are the second person to mention magnesium to me in the past few days! And yes….I definitely keep the room cool, sleep in a tank-top and shorts year-round and when I do the lavender in my room, it is essential oil. Thank you so much for these – looking forward to trying your tips as well.