The more researchers discover about the nature of sleep, the more they see that it is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle that can’t be neglected. Good sleep is different for every individual, depending on their age, habits, and genetic makeup. For example, some people need far fewer hours of sleep per night while others must rest for a lot longer to feel recharged. Healthy sleeping habits start with you understanding your own sleep needs and how to fit your schedule around these.
Why is Good Sleep So Important?
Sleep has been proven time and time again to have a huge impact on a surprising number of factors in a person’s life. Getting a sufficient amount of sleep will have an effect on your ability to concentrate, communicate, perform physical tasks, and your overall mood. Consistently failing to get enough sleep or frequently oversleeping can lead to short- and long-term health issues, such as heart complications and diabetes.
If you struggle to maintain a regular and healthy sleep routine, you may already have started to notice various side effects. Here are some ways you can begin to introduce better night habits to improve your chances of getting better sleep.
Hygiene
Most people are taught to clean their teeth before bed as children and carry this habit into their adulthood. While this form of hygiene is important for strong and lasting teeth, other night-time hygiene habits can also be introduced before bed. For example, making sure you have clean bedding to sleep in means that you can avoid skin irritation and discomfort in the night. Before bed, a hot shower or bath is a good way to feel relaxed, as it helps to drop your core temperature, which is a signal to your body that it’s time for sleep.
Skincare
Another soothing activity to perform before bed is your skincare routine. Taking care of your skin each day helps to protect it from damage, and sleeping is a way for your body to heal. You can introduce various skincare products into your routine that calm your senses through gentle aromas and textures. Some of the best CBD brands have products that enhance the relaxation and indulgence of the skincare process.
Light
The human circadian rhythm is highly attuned to different levels of light. The intensity, angle, and hue of the light all impact how your body responds. When preparing for a good night’s sleep, you want dim light or darkness. You can achieve this through using blackout window coverings and soft lighting in your bedroom. It’s also a good idea to switch any devices you use before bed to a warmer tone, as the blue light from the screen can make it harder for your brain to send the right sleep signals to your body.
Stimulation
It’s easier to transition to bedtime when you deliberately offer your brain fewer distractions and stimuli. By reducing your caffeine intake, eating very little before bed, and choosing more relaxing activities such as reading or meditating, you are helping prepare your body for a night of high-quality sleep.