Getting a good night's sleep is so incredibly important for our health. It helps us be more sharp, it keeps us alert, and it puts us in a better mood.
Alternatively, not getting enough sleep can definitely wreak havoc on our body and mind, making us sluggish, sad, and grumpy.
But falling into a deep sleep isn't always so easy, even when we come home exhausted from a busy day.
Sometimes, we simply can't turn off our brains, and the rotating worries, plans, and stressors in our kind head prevent us from drifting off to dreamland.
Restlessness at night can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep, resulting in us getting less of their benefits.
Fortunately, there are plenty of tips and tricks out there that can help your mind wind down and get you in the mood for a deep luxurious sleep.
So the next time you are up at night, with your mind is racing and you can't stop watching the clock as the minutes creep toward morning, remember these helpful tips below that should get you sleepy in no time.
Sleep Trick #1: Turn Down The Temperature
Some people probably tense up at the thought of making their room colder when they don't have to.
But our body temperature can be a big factor in how fast we can get to sleep at night.
Our body temperature is usually at its highest in the afternoon, and its decline as we wind down for the day sends a signal that it's time to get sleepy.
So allowing our body temperature to decrease a little more quickly get help you get to sleep faster!
Sleep Trick #2: Keep A Notepad Nearby
Sometimes, when your mind is abuzz, the best thing to do is get up and do something that will clear your mind while making you sleepy.
But don't reach for the remote! Instead, opt for a journal next to your bed where you can write all of your thoughts down.
Oftentimes, we can't fall asleep when our minds are moving a mile a minute, so taking time to get them all onto paper can soothe you into a slumber.
Sleep Trick #3: Distract Your Mind
When you were little, you were probably told that counting sheep can help you fall asleep — well, it turns out, this is pretty accurate!
According to Psychcentral.com, distracting yourself from stress is a great way to fall asleep.
In addition to counting cute farm animals, you can also mentally sing your favorite songs or think of all the names you can beginning with a certain letter.
Sleep Trick #4: Listen To Relaxing Music
Music is pretty powerful. It can pump you up when you need energy, but also soothe you to sleep.
According to WebMD, there are studies that show that certain types of music (like classical or atmospheric) can relax you to sleep.
Sleep Trick #5: Get Checked For RLS
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is characterized by the strong desire to get up and move one's legs, even if they are trying to sleep or relax.
According to Healthline.com, RLS affects almost 15 [percent] of all Americans. That's a lot of restless nights!
If you are constantly experiencing the need to move your legs, or feel a constant tingling or twitching in them, consult with your doctor to see if you need treatment.
Sleep Trick #6: Practice Deep Breathing
Deep breathing is a universally effective method for reliving stress and anxiety.
Breathing meaningfully in through your nose and out through your mouth can help your relax your body around bedtime.
It can also be used as an aforementioned distraction technique, similar to listing names or counting sheep.
Sleep Trick #7: Take A Bath
Taking a bath can also help lower you body temperature, which lets your body know it's time to produce melatonin and sleep.
Relaxing in the tub can also clear your mind and make you feel squeaky clean and feel worry-free.
Sleep Trick #8: Try Using White Noise
Another alternative to soothing tunes is a noise-making machine that emits soothing natural sounds.
Like music, these noises help calm your mind while blocking out other nighttime noises that could wake you up throughout the night.
And less distractions throughout the night means that you get a deeper, more restful sleep and will wake up feeling refreshed.
Sleep Trick #9: Lightly Stretch Your Body
As Inspiyr.com states, just because you are lying down in bed, doesn't mean that you are getting a restful, peaceful sleep.
If your muscles are aching and your body is tight, there is a greater chance that you will wake up in the middle of the night to adjust yourself.
Simple stretches like extending your legs, arching your back into a bridge, or lifting one arm into a deep side bend can relieve potential aches and help you feel nice, loose, and light.
Sleep Trick #10: Enjoy It
Though we may not realize it, we sometimes view sleep as more of a chore rather than a relaxing, restorative necessity.
It may sound subjective, but if we take the time to feel relaxed while we are in bed, it helps our bodies into a more meaningful, luxurious sleep that we all deserve!
If you love snuggling into bed after a long day, make sure to SHARE with friends and family on Facebook!
