Top 5 tips for getting a better night’s sleep

*Collaborative post

 

It seems almost as if we’re in a generation that’s constantly plagued by interrupted sleep. If it’s not nights that are disrupted by constantly waking up, it’s the inability to squeeze in the full eight hours. A decent night’s sleep can be the difference between a tiring day at work and one that’s actually productive. After a while, broken sleep can start to take its toll on our mood and sometimes even mental health.  

 

Switch off before bed 

This is a tough one for many: after all, is there anything better than browsing YouTube before bed? As satisfying as it can be to click through endless videos, this isn’t very good for our ability to soundly fall into a deep sleep. You may have heard that smartphones emit blue light and that this affects your ability to nod off. The reason that blue light is so problematic is that it suppresses your body’s production of melatonin, which is a hormone responsible for controlling when you sleep and wake up. To get this natural rhythm back, you are advised to stay away from devices with screens for at least an hour before bed. 

 

Wear comfy clothing 

Have a wardrobe of comfortable sleepwear that’s breathable but also luxurious. Invest in a pajama set that suits your personality to a T and makes you happy – heading to bed completely relaxed will ensure you unwind and are well-rested. Whether you feel more comfortable in pajama shorts and a camisole or pajama joggers and a matching top, brands like TomboyX have a fun and stylish sleepwear collection.  

 

Routine  

Now that you’ve established what will make you cosy before bed, it’s time to start making a habit of it. Routine is just as important as the ritual itself. Tuning your body into the idea of getting into bed at 10 pm, say, and falling asleep at around 10.30 will start to feel more normal with increased frequency. You’re teaching your body and mind to become accustomed to the idea of winding down at the end of the day.  

 

Organise your thoughts 

Has a busy day on the horizon got you worrying about how you’ll get it all done? Instead of lying awake and staring at the ceiling while you agonise over every little detail, consider writing your thoughts down. Clearly write out what is worrying you and how you think you could best solve it. Methodical to-do lists are actually recommended as a means of organising your thoughts to rid yourself of bedtime anxieties.  

 

Cut down on the stimulants  

Some of our most enjoyable vices are not only bad for our long-term health but also our ability to sleep. While you might anticipate that caffeine (tea, coffee, cola) is a huge culprit, alcohol, cigarettes and large quantities of food can also influence how well we sleep. A body that is content and clean from stimulants will have a much easier time getting to sleep.  

 

If you’re struggling to pinpoint one major reason for your sleepless nights, you may want to consider that there might be a few reasons behind your lack of sleep. Too much coffee, endless scrolling on your smartphone and a lack of a soothing routine could all be causing you to lie awake well into the small hours.