Sleep, or a lack of it, can have a huge effect on how you feel during the day; both emotionally and physically. Going to bed not feeling your best or dreading the next morning can really have a negative impact on the rest of your day and how you feel going through it.
We have outlined some steps to take to help you create a nightly routine that lets your body and mind know that it’s time to go to sleep and boost your productivity.
Wind down
Unwinding before bed is a great way to ensure you wake up refreshed the next day. Exercises such as yoga can be used as a way to relax the day’s tensions from your muscles through stretching. It is also a great way to relieve any mental niggles you may have too. Stretching also releases the natural sleep-hormone melatonin within your body, which can aid in a restful night’s sleep, so try some different poses.
Evaluate your sleeping space
Where you sleep is as important as how you sleep. It’s important to make sure your bedroom is the most peaceful place for you to rest and relax. It should be free of noise, clutter and too many distractions. Also, make sure that your room is at a comfortable temperature before heading to bed. This is usually between 60 and 75F. What you wear to bed can also affect your sleep quality. Consider wearing sleepwear in lighter materials as the weather warms up.
Listen to what you love
Scrolling on your favourite social media app until the early hours is not conducive to a healthier sleep pattern. A study into sleep patterns and behaviours found that 21% of all Australians opt to listen to soothing music before bed in an attempt to get a good night’s sleep. Browse online for your favourite podcast or genre of music to find something that helps you feel more peaceful.
