6 Tips for Getting Better Sleep

Making healthy food decisions, drinking plenty of water, and getting adequate sleep are all essential tips for feeling your best. Sometimes we forget how important sleep is, but it affects so many other parts of our body and health. Studies even show that sleep deprivation is linked to overeating and obesity because going to bed and waking up at a consistent time each day regulates your appetite. Getting a good night's sleep also helps your body heal and restore itself for a more productive tomorrow. While sometimes we cannot control how much sleep we get, there are other things within our control that will help us get the best sleep possible on any given night:

While sometimes we cannot control how much sleep we get, there are other things within our control that will help us get the best sleep possible on any given night:

1. Be sure your room is dark.

   Light, especially blue light from sources like laptops or the TV, signals your body that it's early morning. Not the message you want to send at bedtime.

2. Speaking of electronics, try to turn them off at least an hour before bed.

   That means putting your phone down too (keep it on for emergencies, if you want). But checking email or scrolling through twitter right before bed keeps your mind active. I know this is HARD and we can't always do it, but if you can, you will get a better night's sleep.

3. Develop a bedtime ritual.

   Go to bed at the same time each night, and create a ritual to do each night before turning out the light. That can include taking a shower or bath to relax or light reading (like Skinnydipping!).

4. If it can wait until morning, let it.

   By this, I mean that you shouldn't start an involved conversation before bedtime that you know will be emotional or complicated. Not only will it keep you awake for the conversation (and possibly longer, thinking about the result), but tiredness will increase emotions and can make the conversation worse than it might otherwise be. Alternatively, if thinking about the issue will keep you up, write it down so you can get the thoughts out of your head and you'll remember everything for your conversation the next day. I keep a notepad and pen right by my bedside table, some great ideas come of it!

5. Make sure you're sleeping on a comfortable pillow.

   Use the memory foam pillow so your head and neck nestles on it snuggly. You won't wake up in the middle of the night needing to fluff your pillows for support.

6. Get up at the same time every morning.

   You'll start to do this naturally if you follow the tips above!

What's your before-bed ritual?

Share with me in the comments!