Sleep. We all need it. If we don’t get enough sleep it impacts on our waking hours in ways we don’t realise. Our ability to react is slowed, our patience is affected, taste and digestion is affected, mood boosters, energy production, wound healing.. it all slows down.. I think the only thing to increase is short tempers!
So, the way we fix our sleep is oddly termed sleep hygiene. All this means is gaining good habits to encourage a good nights sleep, and losing the habits that hinder it.
So the top 5 absolutely essential tips for a better sleep are:
1. No screen time for at least 1hr before bed.. The light emitting from screens stimulate our brains, and it is harder to get into a deep sleep.
2. Slow that busy feeling in your brain. Your know the thoughts that just whirl around..” i have to do this tomorrow, gotta remember to call xx, should go to gym..etc”.. Instead of thinking of them, write a list, get organised, and send the thoughts away.
3. Write in a journal.. So you are wondering what to do for the hour before bed if you can’t watch TV or scroll facebook?? Turn on some chilled tunes, dim the lights, and get your feelings out on paper.. They can be anything. The story of today. The story of a person you met. The story of your life. Deep, dark secrets can be written down and burned. It is cathartic. Long held dreams can be visualised, plotted, and planned. Gratitude can flow. Whatever it is that’s in your mind, can be cleared before sleep so you don’t start planning once your head hits the pillow!
4. Sip some sleep inducing tea. Wonderful dozy herbs such as chamomile, passionflower, hops, lavender, lemon balm, lime flowers. They make yummy teas, and invite your body to relax.
5. Soak a while. Part of your night time routine may include a beautiful bubble bath. I know mine does! Light some candles, add some epsom salts (magnesium will tell your muscles to relax), pop some lavender essential oil in the water, and enjoy some quiet time floating your cares away.
And the habits that hinder???
Caffeine! WORKING late. Screen time. Stimulation of any kind (that could even be reading a scary story.
Be gentle with yourself. Find some beautiful guided meditations that can help you transition from the day that was into a beautiful nights sleep.