* This blog post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting my blog and helping me to continue writing and helping others in the best way I know possible. :) *
Happy National Sleep Awareness Week! We all know how important sleep is, but often find ourselves struggling to get quality sleep. As someone who deals with anxiety and insomnia, I'm right there with you.
I've been researching and using trial and error for years to figure out what works for me. While I still don't have it down to a science I have found some tricks and essentials that help me sleep better most nights. So, here are my top sleep tips and tricks that you can use to help you drift off into dreamland.
One of my favorite sleep aids is SleepPhones. For those who are not familiar, SleepPhones are soft, comfortable headphones that are designed to be worn while you sleep. You can connect them to your phone or other device and listen to music, white noise, or ASMR to help you relax and fall asleep.
If you're someone who enjoys listening to ASMR or calming music to help you sleep, SleepPhones are a great option because they allow you to listen to your chosen sounds without disturbing your partner. The headphones are thin enough to be worn comfortably while lying down, and the volume can be adjusted to a level that only you can hear.
Aside from SleepPhones, here are a few other tips and tricks that you might find helpful for getting a good night's sleep:
Stick to a sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. According to The Sleep Foundation, this helps regulate your body's sleep-wake cycle. This can be easier said than done, but I do my best to stick to approximately the same schedule, and on the weekends I tend to naturally wake up around the same time anyway.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine: Do something calming and soothing before bed, like taking a warm bath, reading a book, or practicing meditation. I love using essential oils in a diffuser to help me relax, breathe better, and have a nice calming scent throughout the room.
Keep your bedroom cool and dark: Your bedroom should be a comfortable and relaxing environment that is conducive to sleep. Try to keep the temperature cool and use blackout curtains to block out any light. I also use a weighted blanket to help with my Restless Legs Syndrome.
Limit screen time before bed: The blue light emitted by electronic devices can disrupt your body's production of melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep. According to a study from Harvard University, you should try to avoid screens for at least an hour before bed. Again, I know this can be easier said than done, which is why this is one of the most difficult ones for me to practice - but I've been getting better about limiting screen time to around 30 minutes before bed at least. Hopefully I can continue increasing that time.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime: Caffeine is a stimulant that can keep you awake, and alcohol can disrupt your sleep cycle. Some people tolerate it better than others. Myself, I can't drink caffeine after about 1pm if I want to be able to fall asleep at bedtime.
Remember, getting a good night's sleep is essential for your overall health and wellbeing. So, try out some of these tips and tricks, including the use of SleepPhones for listening to ASMR or calming music, and see how they work for you. If you click on the sponsored links provided in this blog post, you can use code balancedbri10 for 10% off your purchase! Sweet dreams!
Comments