Do you know how it feels to be at the mercy of sleep? It is frustrating to keep watch all night when you are not getting paid for it.
Not being able to get enough rest at night is a burden on your physical and mental health. The aftermath? Morning comes, and your eyes are puffy, red, and muscles can’t help much. This is a serious problem.
The human body is programmed to work during the day and rest at night. When nature alters this arrangement, you may be in for severe consequences.
If you have trouble conquering your sleep, here are a few hacks to help you get a restful night’s sleep.
1. Don’t overthink it
Many people have given up on their night rest or quality sleep even though they aren’t certified as insomnia patients.
One helpful thing you want to do to improve your sleep is to take your mind off the entire situation completely.
Overthinking may affect your mindset, which in turn reprograms your body system. Your body gets accustomed to not resting at night and continues that routine.
So, it’s advised that you keep a positive attitude towards your lack of adequate sleep at night.
Being optimistic about it can help you overcome your lack of sleep, and in turn, your sleep will get better. Meditation before bed is also a good practice.
2. Cut down on your caffeine intake
It’s a known fact that caffeine helps to keep the mind awake.
You may have been taking caffeine for a long time - perhaps to stay awake in the day for some activity at night. It was helpful, great!
But what happens now that you need some sleep? There is a good chance that the high caffeine content in your blood has induced a response in your mind to always stay active.
Like your alarm, caffeine helps you stay awake; whether you want to or not. To prevent this situation, avoid excessive intake of beverages like tea or coffee. Cut down on chocolates and energy drink consumption too.
When there’s a need to stay awake, go for milder options instead of caffeine. You can use cold water or eat a lighter meal before bed.
3. Minimize usage of alarm clocks
We all have that time we want to wake up to either prepare for school, work, or other engagements. Alarm clocks help us keep to time.
However, if you want restful nights, it’d be best to make less use of the alarm. The more your alarm clock wakes you up at different times, the more you will likely start having short night rests and disruptive sleep.
Your mind gets accustomed to these routine alarm times, and they don’t even need to go off before you wake up.
Somehow when you sleep, your unconscious mind relays information to your subconsciousness. The former informs the latter that you don’t have to sleep till morning.
If that happens, you find yourself waking up at odd hours in the night. It continues that way until sleep gradually eludes you every night.
4. Try turning off the lights
As much as you may not fancy sleeping in the dark, you should try it out in times of sleepless nights. When the room is dark, it offers an atmosphere of serenity and calmness, suitable for a good rest.
In contrast, brightly-lit rooms are unsuitable for your eyes and could cost you a good night’s sleep.
5. Exercise more often
Sleep is a natural remedy for fatigue. If you have issues resting at night, try doing exercises during the day and engaging in some activities.
A sit2go fitness chair can help keep the mind active as you exercise and cycle even while working without disturbing your co-workers. It also improves your productivity.
Exercising will help relax your muscles and create a need for you to rest them in the form of sleep.
6. Avoid long naps in the day
Naps are scientifically proven to be good for the body. However, in situations where you find it hard to sleep at night, it’s advised that you avoid afternoon naps and, if you must, keep it short.
This ensures that you don’t use your sleep hormones during the day instead of at night.
7. Go to bed in comfortable fabrics
Fabrics like cotton or wool are best for nightwear. They are breathable, comfortable, and free on the body. These clothing materials allow you to enjoy quality sleep.
Uncomfortable materials like rayon or nylon will only keep you tossing and turning around through the night.
Avoid tight-fitting and restrictive outfits too. They make you uncomfortable in bed.
Take away
Even though you are not an insomniac, you can have issues with night rest. Difficulty sleeping at night is an unhealthy condition that should be remedied early.
Try out the above hacks to enjoy a more restful night’s sleep to leave you feeling fresh the following day.
