When you have trouble sleeping, it affects every part of your life. Lack of sleep makes it more dangerous to drive and more difficult to concentrate at work. Here are three bedtime habits that can help you fall asleep more easily:
1. Start getting ready an hour before your bedtime
Habits need to be cultivated over time to be effective. When you develop a routine that you can perform every single night, you'll be more likely to fall asleep when your head hits the pillow. According to the ZME Science blog, it's best to start winding down an hour before your intended bed time.
Turn off the electronics, spend some time planning the next day, then prepare for bed. Once you've washed your face and put on your pajamas, settle into bed with a book or try meditation. You'll be out like a light in no time.
Smartphone use in bed can make it more difficult to fall asleep.2. Keep electronics out of the bedroom
Speaking of light, you'll want to keep artificial light sources to a minimum. That means keeping all electronics out of the bed room. If you're too tempted to browse the web before bed time, consider charging your phone elsewhere in the house. A manual alarm clock won't light up the room and you'll be able to sleep without disturbances. If you keep a TV in the bedroom, consider giving it another home. TVs can reinforce bad sleep habits.
3. Give pets their own bed
Snuggling up with your pet can be comforting, but it's not very good for your sleep hygiene. Animals don't sleep on the same schedule as humans, and when they wake up in the night, they can disturb your sleep, even if you don't remember it the next morning.
Pets in the bed can also become a health risk. The National Sleep Foundation reported that close sleeping proximity to pets can trigger allergies and asthma as well as other illnesses. This isn't normally a problem during the day time, but spending 40 hours a week in bed with your animals can expose you to a number of potential irritants.
Still having trouble falling asleep? It might be your mattress. Head to Arwood's Furniture and Mattress! Family-owned and -operated, Arwood's has the largest selection of Missouri furniture. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the best products for your needs and budget.
