Sleep is vital to my overall health and well being. It has been a goal of mine to get more uninterrupted shut eye in for the past month.
Last month, I highlighted the sleep problem in not just my house, but in homes all over the US. Nearly 4 million Americans suffering from insomnia – we have a huge sleep problem in this country! The good news is that there are shut eye strategies that can help individuals sleep better.
I have and will continue to make these shut eye strategies a priority in my life. I am a much better mom, wife, friend, daughter, and person when I have continuous full nights of sleep. (just wish someone would send this message to my night waking toddler!)
Shut Eye Strategies for a Better Night Sleep
1. GET ACTIVE EARLY IN THE DAY
Rise and sine with the sunshine! Wake up, roll out of bed and get moving! Early exercise can strengthen your circadian rhythm ( a 24-hour cycle that tells our bodies when to sleep) making it easier to fall asleep at night.
How I’m doing… SO SO on this one. I’ll be honest. It’s been so hard to get out of bed in the morning. I’m dragging butt and doing all I can to get breakfast ready for a busy family of 5 and everyone out the door. Luckily, we have a new addition to the family who is not going to let me forget those morning walks.
2. SIGN OFF ONE HOUR BEFORE BED.
Fall asleep and stay sleeping better when you put your electronic devices away for at least 1 hour before you head to bed. The LED lights from the tablets and screens can activate your brain and keep you from falling asleep at night.
How I’m doing?… This is super hard. I’m a Stay-At-Home Mom to 3 lovely, very active kids AND a freelance writer. That means, that I write at night. Although I am trying to grab a paper and pencil for editing in that last hour before bed, I am often trying to meet deadlines and this sign off before an hour doesn’t always work. PLUS if I get up earlier than the kids I am left to choose work or exercise…. It’s a tough choice as my work IS on the computer, but my kids are my #1 priority during the daytime hours. Usually, this strategy is the first to go. (I will have you know that am NOT writing this sleep article1 hour before bed!)
3. GET COMFORTABLE
- use calming scents
- listen to peaceful music
- meditate
- read a book
- drink a warm cup of caffeine-free tea
- take a bath
- write in a journal
4. GO DARK
To learn more about how to achieve a full, uninterrupted night’s sleep visit Wanttosleepmore.com
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