Follow These Tips for Sound Sleep Every Night

written by rebecca poole

There is nothing worse than waking up and immediately feeling groggy, knowing that the day ahead is going to be a long one. If you find that this is an all-too-often occurrence for you, it may be time to assess what your sleep environment looks like and if it’s contributing to your sleep problems.

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  • Choose the right bed setup

    Everything from your sheets to your pillows to your mattress should make falling into bed at the end of a long day relaxing. Finding the right mattress can make a world of difference, so make sure to do your research and shop around before making your final decision. The Sleep Foundation has a helpful tool to determine the right mattress type for your needs and preferences. There are countless home-delivery mattress companies on the market nowadays, so you’re sure to find the perfect fit if you spend time weighing your options.

  • Install secondary lighting

    Hang string lights or utilize light bulbs with dimming functionality to help control the amount of harsh light in your bedroom. Overhead lights or harsh yellow bulbs can be straining on the eyes and don’t promote the natural wind-down process that occurs before sleep.

  • Consider blackout curtains or shades

    Are you having trouble sleeping in on the weekends because your body is so used to a 7:00 a.m. wake-up call during the week? Room-darkening curtains or shades can make it easier to sleep in without the harsh light peeking through.

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    • Keep the temperature cooler

      Are you waking up in the middle of the night feeling uncomfortable because of how hot you are? A cool environment—somewhere between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Sleep Foundation—is ideal. If the weather isn’t hot enough or you prefer not to run your AC, try keeping a fan on your nightstand. This can double as calming white noise as well.

    • Keep your bedroom clean

      This may sound like a no-brainer, but an organized room will make for a more relaxing environment. Be sure to tidy up before you let your head hit the pillow, and avoid working or eating in your bedroom to help maintain a clutter-free space.

Posted in Start Healthy August 2021 on Jun 09, 2021