Why Aren’t You Getting A Good Night’s Sleep?
It’s public enemy number one on every mom’s list, getting a good night’s sleep. While we are all resigned to the fact that after having children, sleep is off limits for the foreseeable future, that doesn’t mean we should operate in zombie mode for the next two to four years. We still think that we need to get a good amount of sleep in, but in fact, it’s the quality of sleep we need to focus on, not the quantity. How can we improve the quality of our sleep? Let’s have a look.
Tip #1: Are You Cool Enough?
You might have woken up feeling horrible and dehydrated because you’re too hot a few times before. So, look at your room and see if you can’t cool it down to an optimum temperature a few hours before you hit the hay. You can either have a cold shower a couple of hours before bedtime, or another way to keep cool during the night is to change your mattress. If you have typical memory foam, as good as they are for comfort; it might be keeping your temperature up, which could stop you getting as good quality sleep as you would like. If you read these Brentwood mattress reviews, you’ll see that gel foam is superior to the standard memory foam because it allows heat to escape, therefore keeping your body cool enough to have a restful night’s sleep. Keeping cool, not cold, is one of the big keys to relaxing your body enough to sink into a deep enough sleep.
Tip #2: Are You Banning Electrical Devices From The Bedroom?
Not only the psychological stimulation of a TV show can affect your sleep, but if you’re staring at a bright light from your phone, it will suppress your body’s ability to produce the hormone melatonin, which is how your body controls its sleep and waking cycles. If you continually suppress your melatonin, your body will think it’s daytime more than night, and so you won’t get a proper rest. If you really need to stare at your phone before lights out, consider installing a program like F.Lux or a blue light filter.
Tip #3: Are You Cutting Out Caffeine 12-Hours Before Bedtime?
We are so dependent on that afternoon coffee to perk us up that we forget about the impact it’ll have when bedtime rolls around. Caffeine stays in the system for up to 12-hours after we drink it, so if you really need that coffee, have it as early as possible. And it’s important to remember that it’s not just coffee, tea, or soda that’s got it. Chocolate and medication have significant doses of caffeine.
Tip #4: Are You Consuming Alcohol?
We all feel like we’ve earned a glass or two at the end of the day, but if you have this too close to bedtime, it will disrupt your sleep, and if you decide to have another two glasses, it could keep you up by having to go to the bathroom. We all need a good night’s sleep, so if you’re guilty of any of these, cut them out and see your sleep quality soar.
