National Bed Month: Tips for getting a better night's sleep
Making sure that we are getting a good night's sleep is crucial for maintaining our health. Many people struggle to get the recommended eight hours of sleep a night. If you would consider yourself to be one of these people, don't fear! There are lots of things you can do to help improve your sleep quality & the amount of sleep that you’re getting. Below are the Bed Post’s top tips for getting a better night sleep.
Create a sleep schedule.
One of the best things you can do to improve your sleep is to establish a consistent sleep schedule. You should attempt to go to bed and wake up at similar times every day, even on the weekends.
Comfortable sleep environment.
The sleep environment you create can have a huge impact on the quality of your sleep. Make sure your bed/bedding is comfortable, the bedroom temperature is cool, the room is dark and try to limit the noise. Investing in a sturdy frame, fresh bedding, a supportive mattress, and a new pillow.
If you would like to find out more info on how you can improve your sleep environment, please see our past posts:
- https://www.the-bedpost.co.uk/blogs/news/how-often-should-you-change-mattress
- https://www.the-bedpost.co.uk/blogs/news/how-long-should-my-bed-frame-last
Relaxing bedtime routine
Having a relaxing bedtime routine can help you unwind and signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Consider taking a warm bath, reading a book, or doing some gentle stretches before bed. Avoid electronics, as the blue light can interfere with your body's natural sleep-wake cycle.
Limit caffeine intake.
A lot of people lean on caffeine and caffeinated drinks during the day, and this can interfere with your sleep, so it can sometimes be best to limit or avoid them altogether. One definite bit of advice would be to avoid caffeine after midday, as it can stay in your system for several hours.
Get exercising.
Regular exercise can definitely help to improve the quality of your sleep, but it is very important to time your exercise correctly. You should try to avoid exercising close to your bedtime, as it can make it much harder to sleep. You want at least a couple hours for the body to settle and relax before going to sleep.
Avoid meals before bed
Eating a meal or drinking large amounts of fluid before bed can reduce your sleep quality. Your should try to eat your last meal a few hours before bed and limit fluids after a certain point in the evening to prevent waking up to use the loo.
By following these tips, you can improve the quality and quantity of your sleep, which can have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being. If you continue to struggle with sleep, talk to your doctor or a sleep specialist for additional guidance.