Easy Ways To Get Better Sleep Starting Tonight!
Sleep is one of the most important activities we engage in daily. On average, adults dedicate 36 percent of their lives to sleeping, or at least attempting to! It's a vital process our bodies require to shift from busy daytime activities to restorative healing and rest.
Sleep is absolutely crucial for all bodily processes, significantly influencing not only our physical and mental performance the following day but also our overall well-being. It affects our capacity to effectively combat illness and build a robust immune system, as well as playing a vital role in regulating our metabolism and reducing the likelihood of developing chronic diseases. Prioritising quality sleep can lead to improved health and vitality in our daily lives.
Here are some of the problems that insufficient, low-quality sleep causes:
• Poor memory and concentration
• Health problems
• High blood pressure
• Heart problems
• Lack of proper metabolism
• Less sex drive
• Ages your skin
• Anxiety and depression
• Stress and fatigue
• Less longevity
• Increased risk of stroke
• Decreased bone density
• Weight gain
• Brain damage
• Less joy for life
Here are some recommendations for better sleep. Try them out and see what works for you. Remember, you didn’t get to where you are overnight, and it takes time and sticking with it to really make your sleep amazing!
Tips for A Great Night’s Sleep
1. Follow The Good Sleep Diet
• Eat some protein a few hours before going to sleep – low blood sugar is a big reason why many people wake up during the night. Protein can stabilise blood sugar
• Don’t eat big meals for up to three hours before bed
• Limit and/or cut out caffeine, especially later in the day
• Limit alcohol consumption – alcohol can have a relaxing effect initially, but it can wake you up due to dehydration and low blood sugar
2. Create A Bedtime Routine
• Make an art of relaxing – use stress relief strategies to relax, like deep breathing, journal writing
• Train yourself to sleep - have an evening ritual to help you relax, like a warm bath, lowering lights, reading a relaxing book
• Establish a winding down period – you need an hour to relax before going to sleep. This isn’t a time for work or internet cruising, or watching ‘heavy’ news shows or things that may upset you
• Do a nice slow stretch before bed – relieve knots, kinks and anxiety
• Listen to relaxing music
3. Try Natural Sleep Aids
• Try some sleep time elixirs like Chamomile Tea, Sleep Tea, Bedtime Tea
• Lavender and aromatherapy essential oils help the body to relax. Place a few drops on your pillow or dab some in your moisturiser.
I hope you enjoyed this article and found some valuable tips. Please let me know how you got on with these, and don’t forget to sign up to the Healthy Roots newsletter for more tips, and to be informed of upcoming events.
