Here's the deal...I don't sleep very well. I don't sleep enough. My quality of sleep STINKS! So I'm basically up for ANY suggestions that may help my sleep situation. And we've heard so many, right? Everything from taking Melatonin to meditating and everything in between. But there just may be some validity in this one. I'm going to try it tonight. You should too. We can compare notes ~ Kristen
We all know getting a good night’s sleep is important for our health, but no matter how hard folks try some just can’t seem to get the recommended amount of shuteye each night. Well, it turns out what people are doing just before they get in bed could be the reason they’re not sleeping, and there are some simple things that can be done to fix that.
Sleep expert Dr. Neil Stanley says folks need to start readying their body for sleep a good 30 minutes before they call it a night, while fellow expert Mark Cropley, shares, “Thirty minutes is a good amount of time before bed to start unwinding and thinking about sleep,” adding, “Never underestimate the importance of establishing a good routine, in sleep and all areas of life, as it can dramatically affect your levels of success.”
So, what should you be doing 30 minutes before bedtime to maximize your sleep? Well, here are a few steps:
- 30 minutes before bed – Complete any final tasks, like emails or paying bills, and make a to-do list for the next day.
- 25 minutes before bed – Shutdown the blue lights, meaning turn off your laptops, iPads and phones.
- 20 minutes before bed – Brush your teeth, and wash your face, and gals take off your makeup. Don’t do this at the last minute because the water on your face can wake you up a bit.
- 15 minutes before bed – Take a quick five-minute hot shower. Heating the body can cool you down, which is good for sleep.
- 10 minutes before bed – Go to the bathroom. Lots of people lose sleep because they wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.
- 5 minutes before bed – Stop talking. This is the time for quiet so no more chats with your partner. Also, don’t actually get into your bed until then. Try and limit your bed to just sleep on most nights.