Pro-Tips for a Better Night’s Sleep

 Rest is vital for everyone. From the cradle to the grave, everyone needs sleep. While not everyone is getting enough sleep, some aren’t getting quality sleep either according to Dr. Kiitty Rathod, a lifestyle expert I interviewed for my monthly online coaching membership, A Pilgrimage to Self. Ideally, a good quantity of high-quality sleep is the goal. Having enough sleep that is restful and rejuvenating can make all the difference when facing the day.

Getting a better night’s sleep can restore the body and the mind. Being comfortable and ensuring you sleep deeply for a healthy amount of time can help in all areas of life. Here are some pro tips for getting a better night's sleep.

Pro-tip: Create a comfortable space- Having a comfortable space to sleep makes a big difference in the quality and quantity of sleep you can expect. Your bedroom should feel like a sanctuary. Free from clutter, not too hot, not too cold, and free from distractions. Your bed and your bedding should be high quality and promote comfort while you sleep.

Pro-tip: Create a bedtime routine- Studies show that having a regular routine for bedtime, including a consistent time to go to bed, helps improve your natural sleep/wake rhythm. Having a routine that starts an hour or so before bed can help trigger your body into restfulness.

Pro-tip: Make sleep time screen-free time- It might seem relaxing to scroll through your device while you unwind in bed. The blue light that emits from your device might interrupt your sleep. It’s best to turn your devices off so the alerts don’t wake you from deep sleep through the night, causing you to lose the deep sleep connection that helps your mind and body restore itself.

Pro-tip: Make your bed in the morning- Making your bed is a great task to start your day off right. It triggers the habit of completing tasks and sends a message to your brain that you finish what you start. In the same way, deconstructing your bed can help remind your body that it’s time to engage in the activity of sleep. Simply falling into a messy bed that’s been disheveled all day is much less gratifying than slipping into a neat and cozy bed space designed for sleep.

At some point, our bodies are going to sleep. We can’t live without it. The quality of that sleep can be greatly determined by your actions. You can set your bedtime up for success or you can hope for the best each night. Taking care to protect and preserve your bedtime and make certain your bedroom is a welcoming space that makes a big difference. Use these pro-tips to get the advantage and make sleep time the best it’s ever been.

Until next time...

Lisa

P.S. In the interview for A Pilgrimage to Self, Dr. Rathod also talked about limiting caffeine in the afternoon for better sleep. She suggests that you cut out caffeine in the afternoon. When you cut out caffeine in the afternoon, you’ll appreciate it a lot more when you have it earlier in the day. Why not make a commitment to getting better sleep...you’ll want to make these pro-tips a habit. For more information about A Pilgrimage to Self Lifestyle Coaching Membership at www.lisamcgrath.me.