For morning people, waking up early is a pleasure. For the rest of us, it’s a necessary evil. But getting an early start to the day doesn’t have to be a drag. A good night’s sleep is part of a healthy lifestyle, both mentally and physically. Here are some sleep tips for beating the alarm at its own game and waking up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Sleep Tips to Start Your Day Off the Right Way
Do people still have alarm clocks? Since almost everyone has a smartphone with an alarm capability, it makes sense to use an app to wake up. There are lots of choices out there, some free and some for a small fee. Experiment with a couple and figure out which (if any) work best for you. If snuggling back in the covers after you’ve slapped the snooze button causes you to be late to work more often than not, try putting your alarm across the room. You will have to get out of bed since it’s across the room. Since you’re already up, you might as well get ready for the day, right?
Sometimes the best way to have a good morning is to have a good night before. Caffeine is notorious for keeping people awake so try to avoid coffee, soda, and energy drinks at least six to eight hours before you plan to go to bed. Drink plenty of water in the evenings to flush out your system so you can sleep better.
Do you like sleeping in a dark room? Sure, most people do. But it can be much harder to wake up when it’s still dark in your room. Try leaving the blinds and curtains partially open so the light can help your body realize it’s time to wake up.
Not getting enough sleep over a prolonged period can be a very bad thing. Set up a sleep schedule and try to get at least eight hours of sleep in a night so you will wake up feeling good and refreshed in the morning. Leave electronic devices out of your bedroom as well. The tiny blue screens cause you to stay up later, not fall asleep as some people claim.
Make sure you are comfortable – mattress, pillow, not too hot, not too cold.
When it comes to diet, avoid consuming heavy meals close to bedtime, as it can cause discomfort and indigestion. Instead, opt for light, balanced meals that include sleep-promoting nutrients such as tryptophan, magnesium, and complex carbohydrates. Foods like turkey, nuts, seeds, bananas, and whole grains are excellent choices to incorporate into your evening meals or snacks.
Unless you work nights or you’re a vampire, you’re going to have to get up early occasionally which will become easier as you implement the above sleep tips into your routine. Employing these tips can help you maybe even start to love mornings a little more. At the very least, you might find yourself being late to work less.
Sleep Problems That Can Impact Your Health
Sleep is not just a time to rest and recharge. It is a vital process that allows our bodies and minds to heal and regenerate. When we sleep, our bodies go through different stages, each serving a specific purpose. During deep sleep, for example, our bodies repair tissues, build bone and muscle and strengthen the immune system. On the other hand, REM sleep is crucial for cognitive function, memory consolidation, and emotional well-being.
Lack of quality sleep can have a significant impact on our physical and mental health. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. It can also impair cognitive function, memory, and concentration, making it difficult to perform daily tasks efficiently.
To prioritize your sleep and reap the benefits it offers, it’s important to identify and address any sleep problems you may have. Try focusing on developing healthy lifestyle habits. If you want help, join us for our IN.FORM Program.