Top 10 Tips For Better Sleep

September is approaching way too quickly, but that's okay because lots of fun happens with the coming of autumn (at least that's what I keep telling myself). When it actually get's here, I'll probably dive further into fall activities, but for now, I'm going to focus on something that is not only helpful with school starting, but also for year-round. That is sleep. 

I have a pretty easy time getting to sleep, thankfully. But sometimes, especially in the summer, getting to bed and to sleep can be challenging. I'm kind of like a four-year-old in that I don't want the fun to end! However, I know that I am generally more happy, energetic (if that were even possible), optimistic, motivated, and productive when I get a good night's sleep. So what happens if you have a hard time getting those precious z's? I am certainly not a sleep expert, but I thought I'd share some tips and tricks that I use to help me get my beauty rest.

Tip #1: Take a Quick Shower after Supper

I don't know why, but being clean and in fresh PJ's makes me feel better instantly. In the summer, I like to rinse in cold water, which is good for cooling off. 

Tip #2: Fan

I used to hate having a fan on at night. That's because I generally run cold. However, this summer has been super hot, and night is no exception. Having a fan blowing on the lowest speed. This is also good because I need a blanket or at least a sheet covering me in order to sleep and the fan makes this not unbearable. 

*Bonus tip* Don't get your hair caught in fan. This hurts and you will get stuck and have to call someone like your sister to come and help free you (not that this ever happened to me...)

Tip #3: Lie down with your legs up against the wall

I don't do this every night, but if I'm having a hard time winding down, I've heard this helps. I find it relaxing, but I might just be weird.

Tip #4: Count Breaths, not Sheep

My friend taught me this one. First, breathe into your belly for ten breaths. Make them really big. Then breathe normally for a few counts. Then breathe into your ribs for ten breaths. Breathe normally for a few counts. Next, breathe into your collar bone for ten breaths. Lastly, breathe normally and notice how much deeper and slower your breathing has become. I'm not going to lie, I'm usually asleep before I get to the second round of breaths.

Tip #5: Make a List or Journal

At times (okay, a lot of the time), my mind is so full of information and stuff I need to do, that I can’t really shut it off. I find that making a “to do” list for the next day  to be very helpful, as then I don’t worry about forgetting anything. If you aren’t really a “list” person, you can always journal.  

Tip #6: Set a little “ritual” 

Lots of people have things they do before bed, but are they helpful? Back in the hospital, I would read for a bit,  get cleaned up, wash my face, and sometimes put lotion on before getting into bed, where I would read some more. I found magazines would keep me awake, but novels or some non-fiction reading helped me settle down. Whatever your little “ritual” is, make sure it’s slow, calming, and quiet, not hectic and rushed.

Tip #7: Tell yourself that It’s Time to Go to Sleep

This one is something I still struggle with. A part of my brain still always wants to stay up late, since I can. But sometimes I really need to remind myself that I need sleep, and the sooner I get to sleep, the sooner I can wake up and do the stuff I want to. To help, after reading for a bit, I would, with my light still on, rest my book on my chest and close my eyes. I’d stay like that until I started to really feel sleepy, at which point I would turn off the light and either listen to some soft music, or just go to sleep, depending on my level of sleepiness.  

Tip #8: Use a Neck Pillow 

For Christmas last year, I got a travel neck pillow, and it was super helpful for when I had to sleep sitting up, and even now. It helps me to relax my head while sleeping on my back, without getting a kink that hurts in the morning. Sleeping on my back or side also helps me not have pain in my lower back when I wake up. My pillow is not the typical microfiber ones; it is fleece and I think has buckwheat filling, which makes it heavier. We got it for pretty cheap at one of those discount stores before it went out of business, but I’m pretty certain you can find a tutorial online to make one yourself.

Tip #9: Avoid using your Bed except for Sleep

I know, it’s soft and comfy, but if you only use your bed for sleep, you will begin to associate it with sleeping, not doing work or other things. Try the couch, a table, desk, or other area to do work, and leave your mattress for snoozing.

Tip #10: Don’t sweat if you can’t sleep

We all have those nights. Don’t worry if you can’t seem to get to sleep. Even lying in bed and resting is beneficial. If you worry about not sleeping, it will only get harder. If you don’t sleep well one night, the worst that could happen is a slightly sleepy day. And don’t sweat nights that you don’t get to sleep until late. Live a little. Go to a movie, hang out with friends. Your body will adjust. 

Hopefully some of these tips will prove to be helpful. Like I said, I am not a sleep expert. These are just some things that I personally have found work for me whenever I have trouble sleeping. 

May the rest of your August be happy and may you feel well-rested in time for September.

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