5 Tips for Better Sleep

Sleep is one of the most important aspects of our lives, with most of us needing between seven and nine hours of sleep in a twenty-four hour period. If you are one of those people who does not get enough sleep, you know what a problem it can be. You can become tired and irritable which affects not just your life, but the lives of those around you. Lack of sleep can also lead to increased stress levels.

You can see how vital it is that you get the right amount of good, quality sleep. It’s normal to have a night here or there when sleep is a little disturbed, but if you have problems sleeping on an ongoing basis, you may want to take a look at our tips on how to improve your sleep.

Choose the Right Mattress

If you are not comfortable when you go to bed, the chances of you getting a good night’s sleep are very slim. This is why it’s so important to have a mattress that suits your needs. Often you can go to a store and try out different mattresses for comfort. You can also check out online resources like the Sleep Judge where you can find out which mattresses and mattress toppers are best for you.

Do not forget that everyone is different; some people have back problems and need a firmer mattress, or possibly a memory foam mattress that molds to their body. Some people can only sleep if their mattress is soft. You should never buy a particular mattress just because someone recommends it without first checking if it is suitable for you.

Get Rid of That Light

You would be amazed at the effect light has on your sleep. Light acts as a stimulant for your brain and increases its activity. This is not conducive to a good night’s sleep. Light also acts a suppressant to the production of melatonin. This is the hormone that helps your body to recognize that it’s dark and that you should sleep. We are especially sensitive to the blue light that many electrical devices emit. This is why it’s not a good idea to watch a movie on TV or your laptop as you try to drift off to sleep.

Change Your Pre-Sleep Habits

One of the best ways to try and ensure you get a good night’s sleep is to change the habits you have before you go to bed. Don’t exercise or eat a heavy meal close to bedtime. It’s best if you have a completely dark room as you settle down to sleep. If that’s not possible, wear an eye mask. It’s also not a good idea to drink caffeine after 3 PM, as it takes quite a while to leave your system.

Take in the Natural Light

Being able to sleep well is not just about what you do at night; it’s also about what you do during the day. It’s a good idea to make sure you get out in the light for at least fifteen minutes, instead of being shut up indoors for the entire day. This helps your brain adjust to the day-night pattern.

Have a Schedule

A regular sleep schedule is not just important for children, but for adults too. If you can stick to the same sleep and wake-up times every day, even on the weekends, you will find it easier to get a good night’s sleep.

One final thing — it’s important to note that stressing about falling asleep does not help. If you go to bed and you are not asleep within twenty minutes, then it may be a good idea to get up and do something relaxing instead of lying there tossing and turning. Hopefully our tips will help improve your sleep pattern. Good luck with your good night’s sleep!

What are your tips to getting a good night’s sleep?