Sleep hygiene refers to a set of good habits that help us get better quality sleep. It involves creating an optimal sleep environment by controlling lighting, noise, and temperature, as well as avoiding certain substances like caffeine and alcohol that can interfere with sleep. Additionally, it involves limiting screen time before bed and establishing a consistent sleep schedule. Practicing good sleep hygiene helps us feel more rested and refreshed and improves overall health and well-being. Here are 9 Tips for a good night’s sleep.
- Stick to a schedule. Going to bed consistently at a reasonable time is important. But even more important is waking up at the same time every day. This helps train your body to pay attention to its internal clock, which in turn improves the quality of your sleep. Sleeping in on your days off may seem like a good idea, but it’s not. It just teaches your body to be confused about when it should be awake or asleep. So stick to a consistent wake up time, even when you don’t have to.
- Create a comfortable environment. Your bedroom should meet three very important conditions: cool, dark, and quiet. Soft bedding and a good, supportive mattress and pillows help, too.
- Eliminate screen time before bed. The blue light emitted by screens interferes with your body’s production of the sleep hormone melatonin. Avoid using electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, televisions, and computers for at least an hour (preferably two) before bedtime.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine is a stimulant that can keep you awake hours after it’s consumed, so avoid drinking it after midday. Similarly, alcohol may help you fall asleep faster but it wrecks the quality of your sleep later in the night.
- Exercise regularly. Regular exercise can improve the quality of your sleep. Plan to finish your workout at least a few hours before bed so your body has time to wind down.
- Establish a relaxing bedtime routine. This could include taking a warm bath, reading a book, journaling, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, or simply sitting in peace and quiet with a nice cup of (caffeine-free) tea.
- Avoid heavy meals before bed. Eating a heavy meal too close to bedtime can make it difficult to fall asleep and can cause indigestion or heartburn.
- Use the bed only for sleeping or sex. Anything else is a no no. You want to train your brain to associate rest and relaxation with the bed.
- If you can’t sleep for 15 minutes or more, get out of bed. Again, this is all about training your brain. If your body is tossing and turning, your mind is too. You’re learning to associate bed with thinking and stress. Get out of bed and stay out. Read, have a glass of warm milk, do whatever relaxes you. When you feel sleepy, go back to bed. Your mind and body will thank you.
Following these elements of good sleep hygiene will improve the quality and duration of your sleep. You’ll wake up feeling rested and recharged. This brings numerous health benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood, better concentration, and an overall sense of well-being.