Lack of sleep has massive effects on our mental and physical health. Fall short and it can take a toll on your energy, productivity, emotions, and even your weight. Even after a long day, many of us are struggling to get the sleep we need. If you are reading this through the dim light of your phone at 3:00 AM, we’ve been there too.
Little did we know, the cure to your sleep difficulties can be often be found in your daily routine.
Stick to a Schedule
Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day sets your internal clock to expect sleep at a certain time night after night.
When you were a kid, you were told when it was time for bed and when it was time to get up in the morning—for the most part. Although no one will be giving you 5-minute countdowns until it is time to put on your pajamas and brush your teeth, you can still regulate a bedtime for yourself and stick with it.
Watch what you Eat and Drink
Eating a large or heavy meal close to when you are scheduled for shut eye may cause difficulty falling asleep or discomfort throughout the night.
Not only should you be mindful of when you are eating but try to caution what you are eating as well. Nicotine and caffeine can cause stimulating effects and take hours to wear off, wreaking havoc on your sleep.
Although alcohol helps us fall asleep quicker and easier, it has negative effects on your REM sleep. The REM stage of our sleep cycle is restorative, it is where we dream, and often occurs about 90 minutes after we fall asleep. Disruptions in our REM sleep cause daytime drowsiness, poor concentration, and memory, as well as robs you from your much.
Although alcohol helps us fall asleep quicker and easier, it has negative effects on your REM sleep. The REM stage of our sleep cycle is restorative, it is where we dream, and often occurs about 90 minutes after we fall asleep. Disruptions in our REM sleep cause daytime drowsiness, poor concentration, and memory, as well as robs you from your much.
Avoid Daytime Naps
I know what you are thinking—my power naps get me through the day. However, if your daytime sleeping is affecting your nighttime sleeping, it will be helpful for you to cut down your nap length or cut them out completely.
If you are an avid napper, start slow.
Make Sleep A Priority
The time to make your sleep a priority was yesterday, or the day before that. Either way, if your sleep is not one of your priorities, it should be!
Taking control of your sleep schedule is an easy way to protect your physical as well as mental health, quality of life, and safety. The way you feel while you are awake relies heavily on the quality of your sleep.
Help your body support healthy brain function and good health by taking steps towards a night of better sleep, and a better tomorrow.
Let us know how you sleep easier, longer, and better by tagging us on Instagram using #DufresneStyle.
