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Getting to sleep should be a simple and straightforward activity. But for many of us, it can actually prove quite the challenge. This isn’t all too surprising given the lifestyles that many of us lead nowadays. This isn’t like olden times when the sun would set and you might as well sleep because the only thing you could do otherwise was sit in darkness. Instead, we have access to the vast majority of things we would in the day during the night hours and it can be really hard to switch off. The problem with this is that many of us are beginning to experience chronic sleep deprivation. Failing to get your eight hours a night can leave you feeling drained and make the next day a struggle. But what can you do to unwind and prepare yourself to drift into the land of nod? Here are some suggestions that might be able to help.
Put Away the Devices
We’re used to having our smartphones, tablets, and laptops at hand 24/7. They’re packed with entertainment. We can read the news. We can chat with friends and family. We can scroll through social media. We can shop. We can play games. The list goes on and on. But this isn’t conducive to sleep. Instead, it can distract you and keep you awake for much longer than you intended. So, put the devices away when you’re trying to sleep. You may also have heard that the blue light that comes from these screens can keep you awake too, confusing your body’s circadian rhythms. If you do need to check your phone or other devices close to bedtime, try using blue light-blocking reading glasses to help.
Have a Bath
What’s more soothing and comforting than a warm bath? Run a bath, add your favorite bubble bath or bath salts, then slide in and relax for half an hour or so before getting ready for bed. This will help you to disconnect from the stresses and worries of day-to-day life, relaxes your muscles, and relieves tension. It’s a great way to feel more loose and comfortable before climbing into bed.
Read or Listen to an Audiobook
Many people enjoy reading before bed. It helps you to step aside from your daily worries and focus on something a little more enjoyable. If you’re not much of a reader, don’t fret. You may want to try an audiobook. This way you can listen with the lights off, helping you to fall asleep more naturally.
Try Calming Sleep Apps
There is now a range of sleep apps that will play calming sounds and voices that can help soothe you into sleep. These are ideal for those who tend to worry and overthink issues when lying in bed, as they distract you and get you to think about something that’s more likely to help you nod off, rather than keeping you up with stress and concern.
These are just a few suggestions, but each could really make all the difference when it comes to getting to sleep at night. Give them a try and see how you get on!
