Did you know that consistently getting between seven and eight hours of sleep each night benefits you physically, emotionally, and mentally? Lack of sleep causes you to lose focus. It makes it difficult for you to think clearly, and could cause you to become overly emotional. Additionally, getting enough sleep helps decrease your risk for certain health conditions, keeps your immune system working properly, and helps you manage hunger levels. Don’t turn to sleeping pills if you don’t get enough sleep at night. Check out these tips instead.
Use a Sleeping Chair
To rest whenever you have available time, get a sleeping chair that fully reclines. Good sleeping chairs recline fully, making it easier for you to grab a power nap here and there, and many offer therapeutic heat and massage features to help you relax. You don’t necessarily have to sleep when you use a sleeping chair. These chairs make it easier for you to relax, so even if you lean back, block out any surrounding noise, and close your eyes for a few minutes, it gives your body that extra bit of rest needed.
Wear a Sleeping Mask
Even if you turn out all of the lights in your room at night, you should still consider using a sleeping mask when you sleep. The light from your alarm clock, TV, and/or cell phone affects the quality of sleep you get, and if you aren’t getting quality sleep, you won’t wake up feeling refreshed.
Purchase a Memory Foam Mattress
Your mattress also affects the quality of sleep you get, and there are several benefits to owning a memory foam mattress. Mattresses made of memory foam help align your spine and support your back. They also provide pressure point relief, help to relieve pain and provide more temperature control than regular mattresses.
Use Earplugs
LIke light, noise also affects your sleep, even if you don’t realize it. Consider wearing earplugs while you sleep to block out any background noise, but don’t purchase earplugs that block out all noises. You still need to be able to hear things, such as your smoke detector, in case of a nighttime emergency.
Stick to a Bedtime Routine
You might think that bedtime routines are only for kids, but adults need them too. Following the same routine before bed tells your body that it’s time to switch into relax mode. Your routine doesn’t need to be elaborate. It might just include changing into pajamas, washing your face, and brushing your teeth. But if you have a really hard time falling to sleep, you should consider adding things such as taking a long, hot bath and turning on an essential oil diffuser filled with lavender oil into your normal bedtime ritual. You might also find that reading a book relaxes you more than watching a movie, and it’s a good idea to get into the habit of putting your mobile devices on nighttime mode to turn off any notification sounds. Additionally, consider making your bed each day when you wake up — if you don’t already. There’s something about climbing into a perfectly made bed with fresh, clean sheets and blankets that instantly relaxes you.
Everyone needs to get enough quality sleep at night in order to function properly. If you find yourself constantly feeling exhausted, lacking the ability to think clearly, or you get sick often, see what changes you can make to improve the quality of sleep you get and increase the amount of time you spend sleeping.
