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Most people don’t think about sleep hygiene (the activities in which you engage prior to sleep). But if you've found yourself tossing and turning all night, exhausted the next day, always yawning and sluggish, the bad news is that there may be myriad reasons why your sleep might be out of whack. However, the good news is that there are many ways to get your sleep health on the right track.
While most people do know that getting a good night’s sleep is important for one's overall health, most don’t have a routine or practices to guarantee they get the most out of sleep time. These steps, some behavioral, some physiological releases, and some mental energy work, are known as sleep hygiene. They can range from establishing a regular sleep schedule to avoiding caffeinated beverages in the evening to baths and herbs. And best of all, they're within our reach.
And, even though some people can function with less-than-ideal sleep habits, they won't reap the benefits of those who keep good sleep hygiene. Research has shown that those who follow good sleep hygiene enjoy many benefits, including improved moods, decreased stress levels, and better cognitive function.
In a recent blog post, Dr. Nikola Djordjevic, MD, commented, “There are numerous ways in which you can improve your sleeping routine, including fixing the bedtime to a specific hour, getting some daily exercise, and avoiding foods that are difficult to digest at least 3 hours before bedtime.”
Before opting for melatonin supplements or over-the-counter medications to ease sleep troubles, consider some of our better sleep tips below:
Keep Your Bedroom Dark
Our brain is conditioned to sleep when it’s dark because our circadian rhythm regulates the body’s internal clock. Circadian rhythm is influenced by natural light. Bright lights prevent the secretion of the sleep hormone melatonin. Insufficient or delayed onset of melatonin disrupts sleep. Keeping our bedroom dark promotes melatonin secretion, necessary for a good night’s sleep.
Limit Exposure to Blue Light Before Bedtime
Avoid screen time at least 1 hour before bedtime. Stay away from blue light sources such as TVs, laptops, tablets, e-readers, cell phones, and other electronic devices. Blue lights make your brain believe it’s daytime, preventing melatonin secretion and delaying sleep.
Set Your Bedroom Temperature To Maximum Cozy
Our body temperature fluctuates throughout the day. It peaks in the afternoon and gradually drops at night. Setting your bedroom temperature comfortably cool (68 degrees comes up most commonly, though it varies by person) keeps it in sync with your body temperature at night and prevents sleep disruption.
Avoid Clutter in Your Bedroom
Sleeping in a messy bedroom can increase anxiety, disrupting sleep. According to a 2015 study conducted by New York’s St. Lawrence University, people who have more clutter in their bedrooms take longer to fall asleep than those with neat and tidy rooms.
Take a Warm Bath or Shower Before Going to Bed
Taking a warm bath or shower before bed causes your body to heat up, and once you step out of the bathroom, your body naturally cools down. This process of cooling can help to prepare your body for sleep.
Practice some relaxation techniques before bed
There are a whole bunch of ways to help you clear your mind and prepare for sleep - phone apps, music or scenic audio, meditation, etc. It could be a good time to hone or just pick up a meditation practice. Or, maybe just download a relaxation app.
