5 Hacks to getting a better night sleep…and more of it!
Did you know humans are the only mammals that actively avoid sleep?! Ludicrous when you think of the hectic lives we lead. The daily stresses we put our bodies through mean we need to let it get enough rest in order to go again the next day. Yet often we neglect our sleep in order to cram more in.
Getting enough good quality sleep is just as vital as nutrition and exercise when it comes to overall health and wellbeing. There is growing evidence suggesting a link between increased body weight and sleep deprivation, so here are our top 5 hacks to getting that all important rest:
1. Routine
Get yourself into a good routine, going to bed at the same time and waking up at the same time is one of the best ways to set your body clock on the right track.
2. Down Time
Let yourself wind down properly at the end of the day. Over stimulation of the mind and body before bed can make getting to sleep difficult.
3. Create a sleep haven and switch off your screens
Your bedroom should be quiet, dark, comfortable and slightly cool. Switch any devices off or at worse onto airplane mode and remove any physical reminders of work that might prompt stressful thoughts.
4. Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption
Caffeinated drinks act as stimulants that interfere with sleep. Avoided these drinks about 4-6 hours before you go to bed to ensure the effects have worn off. Same goes for alcohol. Whilst it can help you get off to sleep, once the sedative effects wear off, you are more likely to wake and/or have a restless night sleep.
5. Finally…GET ACTIVE!!
Getting active has been proven to help you get more sleep and improve sleep quality. The key though is timing, try not to train to close to bed time or those endorphins will keep you awake!
Adults should aim to get between 7-8 hours of good quality sleep a night. If the above healthy sleep habits are maintained, your sleep patterns will improve dramatically, leading to a healthier, happier you! However, don't be discouraged if your sleeping habits don't change immediately, it can take 6 weeks or more to change a habit, so stick with it!
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary based on agreed goals. Click here for details.
