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My name is Rhys, a first time dad blogging about my adventures and experiences of being a parent. [email protected]

7 Ways To Get More Sleep And Wake Up Rested

There are many people who have problems with getting enough sleep. They feel tired and groggy in the morning, lacking the energy to get a productive day going. What if you could wake up rested and ready for a new day? The following article will give several tips that may help you get a better night’s sleep.

Get An Upholstered Bed Frame

This is a great idea for a good night’s sleep. It is easier for people to fall asleep on an upholstered bed frame than it is a wooden one. The smooth and gentle feeling of the fabric allows you to relax into sleep, and also provides a barrier between your upper body and the mattress so that heat isn’t trapped against your skin. Tips for choosing one includes:

  • Look for something that is plush and comfortable.
  • Choose a frame with no metal bars
  • Look for one with springs
  • Pick a colour that matches the décor of your bedroom.
  • Make sure that it is upholstered with material that doesn’t easily get stained or torn, such as leather, suede or microfiber.
  • Stay away from cheap-looking covers because they do not look nice at all and will not provide you with a restful sleep experience.

Decrease The Noise Levels At Night

Do not underestimate the power of your sleeping environment when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. The sounds that you hear when you are trying to fall asleep can make or break your ability to get restful sleep.

The steady, constant hum of traffic outside or next door is enough to make anyone want to pull their covers over their head and stay in bed for another hour!

Tips on decreasing noise levels at night include:

  • Make sure that all windows are properly sealed with appropriate weather-stripping if they aren’t already, especially around doors leading outside or into shared spaces like stairwells or garages.
  • If you live near an airport, train tracks or very busy roads, invest in some earplugs to help you get the rest that you need.
  • Make sure that your bedroom door is shut and locked so loud noise stays out.
  • If all else fails, try masking the noise with a gentle, pleasant white-noise machine or fan if it’s hot outside or near freezing if not.

Use A Neck Pillow When Sleeping On Your Side 

Sleeping on your side may make your neck feel uncomfortable after lying in one position for too long. To avoid this problem, use a neck pillow when sleeping on your side. This will provide support for your head, neck and shoulders while also increasing blood flow throughout both sides of your body to prevent stiffness in the morning.

To decide which are the best choice for you, consider:

  • Firmness and softness of the pillow, such as feather vs polyester-fibre filling.
  • Whether you prefer a flat or curved profile when looking at pillows in the store.
  • The extent to which you sleep on your side; some people will sleep more on their stomach and this may not be the best choice for them if they want restful sleep!
  • Aesthetics; some pillows can add color and character to your bedroom while others are plain for easy matching with existing décor or bedding sets.

Stop Drinking Coffee And Eating Before Bed

Caffeine takes many hours before it leaves your system, so you will want to avoid drinking coffee and other caffeinated drinks after lunchtime. If possible, stop consuming caffeine by early afternoon at the latest, as it may keep you awake later into the night than you would like.

If stopping your consumption is not an option or if simply cutting down on your intake is desirable, try switching to decaffeinated tea in the late afternoon instead of coffee. This will still give you a little boost without changing your sleep schedule for the worse!

Also, don’t eat right before bed. Eating too much before bedtime makes it difficult to fall asleep because your body has no time to digest food while you are trying to sleep. It is also suggested not to eat too close to bedtime because excess stomach acid may make it harder for you to get comfortable and fall asleep easily. The best time of day to eat is around 6 or 7 pm.

Take A Warm Bath At Least 20 Minutes Before Bed 

A warm bath at night is a great way to decrease your core temperature before heading into bed. This helps to slow down brain activity, relax muscles, and ever-so-gently prepare you for sleep.

Interestingly, dry brushing the skin has been said to help with circulation and lymph drainage. You could consider this option if you are too lethargic in the morning or need some extra time before having a shower in the evening. Check your local wellness store for more information on dry brushing techniques if this interests you.

Remove Clocks And Time Pieces From View

Seeing the numbers on your alarm clock or mobile phone can increase your stress levels, making it harder to fall asleep at night. If you are trying to get a good night’s sleep and these accessories still need to be somewhere in your room, try placing them on the other side of the room where they won’t be as visible and cause you stress.

Prepare A Bedtime Routine

The most important thing in getting more sleep is having good sleeping habits. Your body has an internal clock (circadian rhythm) that likes consistency when it comes to when you eat, sleep and wake up. If you follow a schedule before bedtime, you will feel more tired as your body becomes accustomed to it. A good bedtime routine includes:

  • Prepare for bed- Prepare everything you will need for the next morning ahead of time so that there is no reason to get up once you are comfortable in bed.
  • Turn off all electronic devices one hour before bedtime- Watching television, working on the computer, or texting can stimulate your brain and keep it active too much into the night that makes it difficult for you to sleep when it is finally time to go to sleep. Try reading instead, as this activity calms down your mind and allows you to decompress from the day. Also, avoid looking at bright screens as much as possible which can interfere with melatonin production.
  • Prepare a list of to-dos for the next day- Instead of worrying about them at night, write down everything that you need to do before bed so you can go over them again in the morning and have a clear head when you wake up.
  • Meditate or pray- This helps your mind unwind from the busyness of everyday life and lets you become relaxed so that sleep comes very easily without any stress or worry about tomorrow’s responsibilities weighing on your mind as you fall asleep. 

Getting enough sleep is essential to your well-being and happiness. The importance of getting enough nighttime rest cannot be overstated. Unfortunately, many find themselves constantly tired and dragged out due to not getting enough shut-eye each night. Try some of these tips for results; take a warm bath before bed; remove clocks from view; prepare for bedtime with a routine; meditate or pray before you go to sleep, etc