One sheep, two sheep, three sheep, four…. Sound familiar? Falling asleep at night can be a struggle if you haven’t allowed yourself time to switch off from your day. Your sleeping environment and what you do in the run-up to bedtime can have a big influence on the quality of your snoozing. When you sleep like a log, you feel like a superstar. And you’ll be pleased to know there are simple things that can help you gently drift off. Like having fabulous bedding and sticking to an easy-peasy bedtime routine.
Being on the move all day is great though not getting enough rest and downtime can affect your mood, energy and even your appetite. Do you find yourself reaching for the cookie jar before lunchtime? Not getting enough shut-eye can interfere with metabolism and have you relying on sugar and coffee all day to function. This is not an ideal way to power through your to-do list. If you are regularly waking up feeling less than awesome it could be time to take it easy. Here are some top tips to help you unwind and look forward to bedtime.
Turn off those emails
Getting that perfect work-life balance is never easy! Though giving yourself a set time each day to log out of your emails will give your mind time to slow down before bed. Try and discipline yourself to switch off from working mode at the same time every night. Relax, Twitter and Instagram can wait till the morning. Instead, watch a movie or read a good book that will help you to unwind and detach from any chaos of the day.
What’s your favourite movie? Pop it on… and no you can never watch it too many times.
Indulge in a bubble bath
Is there anything better than sinking into a warm, bubbly tub? Especially when you add some yummy bath oils and gorgeous candles. Having a soak before bed will not only make you smell wonderful, it will naturally lower your body temperature which can set you up for a good night’s sleep. The ideal temperature for snoozing is 18 degrees, so keep cool and get your snooze on.
Make sure you have a soft, fluffy towel nearby to wrap up in when you get out of the tub.
Make sure your bedding is ‘just right’
Think Goldilocks here… when it comes to bedtime everything has to be just right. From your pillow to your PJ’s. You want to be cool and comfortable. Overheating is the biggest cause of night wriggles… the solution? Choosing breathable, natural fabrics. When it comes to bedding bamboo is a great option and can have some dreamy benefits for sensitive skin. How comfy is your mattress? If it’s not up to scratch, adding an orthopedically approved memory foam mattress topper can be a great addition and transform your sleeping experience. Ask if it comes with a 30- night trial so you can make sure it’s ‘just right’, and you will be sleeping happily ever after.
You’re never too old for a bedtime story.
Turn down the lights
Getting enough natural light and sunshine throughout the day is great for your mood and wellbeing. This is why many people struggle with a condition known as S.A.D during the darker months. Though when it comes to bedtime, light exposure can make it harder to get that deep, restful sleep you need. It can interfere with a sleepy hormone called melatonin which helps control your snooze cycle. Using an eye mask can block out any sneaky light and help you nod off.
Feeling sleepy yet?
End the day on a sweet note
How you end the day is just as important as how you start it! When you are tucked up in bed, laying on the mattress topper of your dreams takes a moment of gratitude. Write down all the things you are thankful for, don’t hold back! From your loved ones and friends to fluffy slippers and those bedtime bubble baths. Whatever kind of day you have had, there is always something to be grateful for. Gratitude has long been associated with a greater sense of health, connection and joy. What can be sweeter than that?
There is no quick fix to getting the perfect night’s sleep, though you can rest assured that allowing yourself proper time to unwind and get your sleeping environment just right is the most comfortable place to start. Sometimes life isn’t about being on the go. So tonight take it easy, and wake up and sparkle!
Sweet dreams!
Disclosure: This is a featured post.