10 Proven Habits to Sleep Better at Night

Do you often have trouble getting to sleep? Maybe you frequently wake during the night and don’t feel rested in the morning. 

Stress and changing routines can make it difficult to get quality rest. However, there are many ways you can work toward improving this situation. Here are ten habits that can result in better sleep.

1. Keep a Consistent Schedule

Your body’s internal clock responds best when you have a consistent bedtime and wake time. It takes discipline to stick to a schedule, especially on the weekends. However, you’re sure to find it helps you get to sleep and feel more rested.

2. Implant a Bedtime Routine

In the last couple of hours before you go to bed, follow a regular routine. Choose calming activities so your brain gets the message that it’s almost time to sleep. For example, a warm bath or shower can help you relax.

3. Replace Your Mattress

It’s often hard to get to sleep if your bedding isn’t comfortable. Even the best mattress brands need replacing at least once every ten to fifteen years. If yours is past its prime, consider a new one that can provide you better support during the night. Having a mattress that supports your body during the night is essential for allowing your muscles to properly relax, which in turn allows your body to repair itself better. Looking into a shortlist of recommendations for the Best Mattress Australia (or elsewhere more relevant for you) can give you an idea of the profile of the mattresses out there, allowing you to decide what it is you’re truly after.
 

4. Dim the Lights in the Evening

Bright light sends our brains the message that it’s time to be awake and active. For this reason, reducing illumination in the hours before bedtime helps the brain and body slow down, ready for rest.

5. Avoid Napping

If you often take a nap in the middle of the day, you may need to learn to push through until bedtime. An afternoon snooze may interfere with your ability to get to sleep at night.

6. Exercise Daily

Everyone knows that exercise has many health benefits, but did you know it can also help you rest better? Vigorous physical activity, especially in the afternoon, may leave you feeling sleepier at night.

7. Control Temperature

Most people sleep best in temperatures between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Try to keep your bedroom in this range for the best chances of resting well at night.

8. Make Your Room Dark

Darkness typically facilitates sleep. If your bedroom gets a lot of illumination from street lights, you may need to invest in blackout curtains. Eyeshades can also help resolve this issue.

Even tiny lights from electronic devices can interfere with sleep. Turn off or cover anything that produces illumination.

9. Reduce Noise

Most people sleep best when it’s quiet. If noise from a busy street or a partner’s loud breathing disturbs you, consider using earplugs. You may also wish to try a fan, humidifier, or white noise generator to help drown out such sounds.

10. Try Relaxing Food Supplements

Melatonin is a hormone the human body produces. It plays a key role in controlling your sleep cycle. If the above tips aren’t enough to improve your rest, you might want to consider a supplement.

Several other natural products can help you relax and sleep better. These include:

• Ginkgo biloba
• Glycine
• L-theanine
• Lavender
• Magnesium
• Valerian root

The Bottom Line

There are many habits you can cultivate to improve your sleep. You can start by keeping a consistent schedule and implanting a bedtime routine. Replacing your mattress and dimming lights in the evening may also help.

Avoid naps, exercise daily, and keep your room cool, dark, and quiet. If you still have trouble resting, try a natural supplement like melatonin. Doing all this will help you sleep better at night.