A lack of sleep will not only leave you feeling like a zombie. It can also add to your stress levels and cause health problems.
If you have frequent nighttime disturbances, you’ve probably been searching for a way to improve your rest. You’re not alone. According to the American Sleep Association, 70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders.
Many Americans are taking medicine at night to help but there are more natural ways that you can get some rest. Keep reading for 5 sleep hacks that will have you sleeping like a baby.
- Unplug Yourself
We know you don’t want to hear this, but that cute kitten video is going to have to wait until morning. According to a report, 8 out of 10 of us keep our mobile phones on next to us.
The blue light from our phones has a stimulating effect, like sunlight. This tricks our brains into thinking it’s daytime, which prevents us from getting shut-eye.
Try to cut yourself off from cellphone usage 30 minutes before you plan to sleep. You’ll rest better and wake up feeling energized and ready for the day.
- No Late-Night Foodie Calls
Those late-night cravings for ice cream are no joke. But you have to resist the temptation for the sake of your sleep!
High-fat foods can leave your digestive system running while the rest of your body tries to rest. Ideally, you want to leave 2 hours between your last meal and bedtime.
- Sleepy Snacks
You don’t want to eat a huge meal before bedtime, but there are certain foods that will actually improve your sleep.
Did you know that cherries are the only natural source of melatonin? Studies show that drinking tart cherry juice twice a day can help insomniacs sleep.
Bananas have a good source of potassium and magnesium, both of which are muscle relaxants. So, have some fruit before bed, it could help you get some rest.
- Find Your “Zen”
It’s not a shock to find that stress causes a lack of sleep. Which means anything that can help soothe our daily stress is going to improve our sleep.
Try meditation as a form of relaxation before you go to bed. If you need help destressing, plug in an oil diffuser and start a stress journal to unwind after a long day.
Another way to turn your brain off before bed is to prepare for the next day ahead of time. A lot of those thoughts about tomorrow are preventing you from getting to sleep.
Make your lunch, get your bag ready and lay out your clothes for the next day.
