So many people underestimate the wonderful health benefits of getting a good night sleep. From proper weight management to avoiding catching the flu and having soaring energy levels throughout the day, you guessed it: sleep is essential. For that reason, I would like to share with you: 5 Easy & Practical Tips for a Restful Sleep.
One of the many reasons why I am so excited for Fall this year is because I am finally back to getting some restful sleep at night! The Summer being so darn hot in Madrid, it totally threw me off and affected my sleep enormously due to the temperatures staying quite high even well into the night.
So trust me when I tell you: getting enough sleep is a huge game changer for your mood, energy levels, motivation, life outlook, and of course your health!
Sleep deprivation has been associated with weight management issues, skin problems, hormonal imbalances, stress (duh), and much more. Hence, why I wanted to give you a few easy and practical tips today to help you get a better sleep.
Please note that I will not tell you how many hours of sleep you should be getting every night as it varies from one person to the next. Generally speaking though, the average is 6 hours. Some people need more, some can handle less. Find out what works best for your body and your needs, but no matter what: make sure that sleep is one of your top priorities this Fall/Winter season. It will make a big difference in your immunity ;).
Let’s get into these tips, now.
5 Easy & Practical Tips for a Restful Sleep
1. Switch OFF electronics
That might be one of the most difficult tips, which is why I put it first. Your screen devices emit a blue light that messes up with your melatonin production (the hormone that regulates your wake-sleep cycle). Therefore, try as much as possible to switch off all of your screen devices at least 30 minutes to 2 hours before bed. This will allow your body to relax and get ready for sleep mode.
2. Avoid caffeine after 3PM
If you feel the need to ingest coffee to keep up with your afternoon tasks, I strongly recommend that you find an alternative to boost your energy levels. Indeed, caffeine can be a big trigger in raising your stress hormones, which in turn prevents you from getting a restful sleep. Try to avoid that mid-afternoon coffee fix as much as possible. Instead, opt for healthier options like green tea, hot maca drink, dandelion herbal coffee blend , or: THESE.
3. Dim the lights
Dimming the lights as you approach bed time is another great way to signal to your body that it’s time to get into sleep mode. Keeping bright lights on right until before you hop into bed is a sure way to mess up with your sleep cycle.
4. Create a relaxing bedtime ritual (shower, tea, bath, meditation)
That’s probably one of my favourite tips. Have a bedtime ritual, just like babies. Something to signal to your body that you’re getting ready for bed. It could be taking a nice relaxing bath with epsom salt, doing a few gentle yoga stretches, reading a book with a nice cup of herbal tea, or meditating. Find a routine that you can look forward to ;).
5. Get an eye-mask or black-out curtains
Here in Madrid, most homes come with outside “blinds” which create the perfect pitch black environment for good sleep. Alternatively, if your curtains aren’t thick enough, you can simply start using a sleeping mask. Mine is from LA Aquarelle and I love it! I take it everywhere with me whenever I am travelling ;).
And there you have it, guys, my 5 easy and practical tips for a restful sleep.
What are your favourite ways to get the a good night sleep? Share it in the comments below.
As always, stay vibrant,
Sarah.
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