Having difficulty getting sleep lately? Or even staying asleep? Do you find yourself waking up constantly during the night? Do you feel that sleep has been elusive? You’re not alone. In today’s fast-paced world, achieving better sleep has become increasingly challenging for many.
It’s definitely an issue if you have trouble sleeping. You would feel exhausted the next day. Not only that – you would go about your daily routine in a sluggish manner. The result? You would have an unproductive day.
If you continue being sleep-deprived in the long run, several health issues may even arise. Lack of sleep increases your risk of getting cardiovascular diseases, anxiety and depression.
If you find yourself not feeling rested after getting a full night of sleep or your partner complains that you snore, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. Now would be a good time to complete a sleep apnea test to find out if a sleep disorder may be stopping you from getting a good night’s sleep.
Ideally, we should be getting enough sleep. We have established its importance. However, sleep doesn’t come easy for everyone. Some people have difficulty getting themselves to sleep. And if they do fall asleep – they don’t stay asleep for so long.
Today, we will discuss two ways how you can start achieving better sleep and get that much-deserved rest:
Reduce your screen time
You might be puzzled why your electronic devices usage is being related to your lack of sleep. They are unfortunately linked and your gadget usage may be the reason why you can’t sleep.
Let’s clarify first that there’s nothing wrong with using our electronic devices. They are awesome and they provide convenience. We get a lot of things done by technology and we can’t deny that. Let’s give credit where it is due.
However, unregulated screen time is what we’re talking about here. Most likely you are still reaching for your gadget even though you have turned off the lights and you’ve already tucked yourself in your bed. You may have not noticed it because probably it’s already a habit for you.
Screen time before bed time will eventually turn into an all-nighter activity sabotaging your goal of achieving better sleep. You will not exhaust the contents of the internet and you will just keep on scrolling hoping you’d fall asleep soon.
Also, the blue light your screen emits suppresses the release of the hormone, melatonin. This hormone is responsible in regulating our sleep. When you don’t have much of it, you will have more difficulty in sleeping. So more screen time for you, more blue light, more suppressed melatonin – less sleep for you.
Given that, there should be no more screen time when you’re about to sleep. Put away your gadgets so you won’t be tempted to reach out for them during the night.
Get a comfortable bed
Many forget the importance of a comfortable bed. Many think that it’s enough that they have a bed. Unknowingly, your bed is contributing to your lack of sleep. If you’re using an old mattress, that is.
People forget that they should also replace their mattresses. Aged mattresses are the breeding grounds of dust mites and bed bugs. If you are having allergy attacks as well, they could be the source of the problem.
Also, worn-out mattresses are saggy on some areas already. They are supposed to support your body alignment but how can it accomplish that when it is already falling apart in some areas? You would just end up with body aches. You won’t even have a restful sleep because you will need to shift your position on the bed several times becomes it’s no longer firm as it should be.
Getting a bed is a good investment for your health. If you find it too burdensome to get one because of its size, get a mattress in a box. There’s no excuse. You can even buy mattress online if you need to. If your mattress is old, just replace it because it no longer serves its purpose.
In conclusion, prioritizing better sleep is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. By implementing the strategies outlined in this article, such as establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and optimizing your sleep environment, you can take proactive steps toward improving the quality and duration of your rest. Remember, achieving better sleep is not only about quantity but also about the quality of restorative rest you receive each night. So, embrace these changes, listen to your body’s cues, and make sleep a priority in your life. Here’s to waking up feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle each day with vitality and energy.
