Trouble Sleeping? Sleep Better with these 5 Easy Tricks
Most people experience poor sleep once in a while. Sleeplessness isn’t a big deal until… it becomes a regular gig. Clock ticking, rolling from one side to the other – sounds familiar? If you belong to the 1 in 3 people who suffer from mild insomnia, you’ll definitely want to keep reading for these simple tips to hack your way into better sleep.
What is insomnia?
Poor sleep can take several forms. According to the Sleep Health Foundation, insomnia happens anytime you have a hard time falling asleep, staying asleep, or falling asleep again after waking up during the night. The end result is the same: you find yourself oh-so tired the next day.
What’s wrong with insomnia?
I mean, you pulled a few all-nighters when you were young and were still bright as a rose the next day, so lack of sleep is no big deal, right? Actually, chronic lack of sleep can really wreak havoc on your life. Here’s what you can experience when you don’t sleep well:
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Increased risk of accident and injury
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating on tasks
What causes insomnia?
Many aspects can come into play when it comes to what causes insomnia, from emotional factors (stress, family issues), to illness, or even the use of certain medications. It can be hard at times to pinpoint the exact cause of poor sleep, but one thing is for sure: you can boost your sleep quality by following simple tips.
5 easy tricks for better sleep
Imagine falling easily into a deep, restful sleep soon after your head hits the cool fluffy pillow. Imagine waking up just a few minutes before your alarm goes off in the morning, feeling fully refreshed and ready to take on the day. It’s possible! How? Try these healthy sleep hacks:
Ditch caffeine past noon
Some people might be able to shoot back an espresso after dinner and still doze off into Dreamland, but if you suffer from insomnia, caffeinated drinks + foods taken later in the day are the first thing you should cut out. Caffeine is a known stimulant – that’s why we LOVE it in the AM!
Stick to routine
Establishing a solid daily routine is a great step toward better sleep. As much as possible, try to wake up around the same time every day and stick to a regular bedtime. This is the best way to hack your circadian rhythm into an optimal state, and keep your sleep-wake cycle into balance. Try not to eat within 3 hours of going to bed, so your body can heal while you sleep.
Move your body
Getting enough exercise during the day is a total game changer for good sleep at night. It doesn’t have to be intense! Find something you like, from walking, or swimming, to a gentle yoga practice
Prep your bedroom
Turn your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary by keeping all electronics out and opting for dark window coverings that really keep the light out. Keep your bedroom cool and crisp, too. Dryer Sheets and laundry detergents could be imbalancing your hormones. Ditch the chemical cleaners and opt for natural detergents and aluminum foil in the dryer. Natural beddings, like linen and organic cotton, help your body breathe and sleep better, so if you suffer from poor sleep, they’re a must!
Time to unwind
For anyone who doesn’t sleep well on a regular basis, it’s crucial that you make time to unwind at the end of the day. You gotta give your body and mind a chance to kick into relaxation mode. Try meditation morning and night. You can read a book for an hour or so before bed instead of TV. Reading’s not your thing? That’s okay. How about a nice, soothing bath?
Try this sleep inducing soak
Taking time in the evening to soak in a rejuvenating bath is an awesome way to get yourself ready for a good night’s rest. Take it up a notch with Seaflora’s Soothing Sea Kelp Soak, a therapeutic and relaxing blend of mineral rich Pacific sea salts and seaweeds.
This luxurious soak is the perfect bedtime routine: easing away muscle tension, replenishing the body with essential vitamins and minerals, and kicking sleep disorders like insomnia so that you can sleep your way to healthy and happy.
