My 2024 Resolution is to Sleep Better Than I’ve Ever Done — Here’s How I’ll Do It
As a writer who specializes in sleep, I appreciate the significance of obtaining a restful night’s sleep. The quality of our sleep has a substantial impact on our overall Health. Poor sleep can impair our cognitive abilities in the short term and potentially even our cardiovascular Health in the long term. On a daily basis, I have observed that inadequate sleep impairs my productivity, emotional regulation, and tempts me to reach for unhealthy snacks.
Nevertheless, achieving quality sleep has been a challenge for me. Whether it’s due to racing thoughts at bedtime, late-night screen time, or interruptions from my children, restful sleep has been elusive. However, 2024 marks a new beginning for me as my primary goal this year is to achieve better sleep. Although we are only a few days into the new year, I have already made substantial progress in improving my sleep quality.
Eating Habits and Timing
One aspect I addressed is the timing of my evening meals. Studies have shown that consuming heavy, carbohydrate-rich meals close to bedtime can prolong the time it takes to fall asleep. Therefore, I now ensure that I eat my evening meal between two and four hours before my designated bedtime to allow sufficient time for digestion.
Creating a Relaxing Sleep Environment
Additionally, focusing on making my bedroom a tranquil and inviting space has been instrumental in enhancing my sleep quality. Simple actions such as drawing the curtains, preparing my pajamas, and placing a book on my bedside table have made my bedroom more appealing, ultimately improving my sleep hygiene.
Mattress Replacement and Support
Recognizing that my mattress is six years old and has started to lose its firmness, I am contemplating Investing in a new mattress topper to ensure adequate support. The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress topper, renowned for its pressure-relieving properties for side sleepers like myself, caught my attention.
Blocking out Light Pollution
Wearing an eye mask has proven to be a simple yet effective solution for blocking out light pollution, significantly improving my ability to fall asleep. This small addition has minimized disturbances caused by external light sources, contributing to a more restful sleep.
Reducing Blue Light Exposure
Limiting exposure to blue light, emitted from electronic devices, before bedtime has been pivotal in enhancing my overall sleep quality. Switching to reading a book in bed instead of engaging in prolonged screen time has transformed my sleep routine, enabling me to achieve a more restful state before falling asleep.
Regulating Body Temperature
Understanding the correlation between body temperature and sleep, I have incorporated warm baths into my routine to induce quality sleep. The drop in body temperature following a warm bath aligns with the natural temperature adjustments our bodies undergo in preparation for sleep, fostering a peaceful and deep sleep experience.
Journaling to Alleviate Racing Thoughts
To address racing thoughts that disrupt my sleep, journaling has become a valuable tool in Breaking the cycle of rumination. Devoting a few minutes before bedtime to jot down my worries in another room has been effective in easing my mind, promoting a more peaceful state conducive to sleep.
In conclusion, by implementing these seven actionable steps, I am committed to achieving the best sleep of my life in 2024. As a sleep writer, I aspire to share my experiences and strategies to inspire others to prioritize their sleep and reap the benefits of enhanced restfulness and overall well-being.
Source: tomsguide
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