Good quality sleep is vital for your overall health and well-being. Many people, however, find it almost impossible to get enough and good quality sleep. Unknown to them, some factors, including your sleeping area, light, noise, and your lifestyle, may be to blame for this.  Addressing most of these (if not all) can help improve your sleep quality. Here are a few simple tips for improving your sleep quality.

 

1.         Avoid digital devices (smartphones, tablets, computers, etc.) towards bedtime. These devices emit blue light that affects the body’s ability to produce sleep-inducing hormones. Resist the urge to browse social media 2 – 3 hours to your bedtime to enjoy a good night’s sleep.

 

2.         Have a relaxing bedtime routine. Make a habit of engaging in activities that help the body slow down and relax before hitting the blankets. This can be anything from listening to soothing music, taking a warm bath, drinking herbal tea, or even yoga.

 

3.         Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. This will make it easier to keep your internal clock in check.

 

4.         Use earplugs or sleep masks. This is especially important if you live in a noisy neighborhood.

 

5.         Bask in the morning sunshine. The morning sunshine helps reset our internal clock, thus improving our sleep patterns.

 

6.         Avoid liquids after 6 in the evening. While drinking water will help keep you hydrated, you want to limit your fluid intake in the evening. This also means no alcohol or coffee.

 

7.         Limit your caffeine intake. Your morning cup of coffee/tea, chocolates, and some sodas are rich in caffeine, a compound known to inhibit sleep. It would thus be advisable to avoid these 6 hours to bedtime

 

8.         Consider snacks known to induce sleep. Some snacks and foods, such as cheese, apples, bananas, and whole-grain crackers, may come in handy in the evening, especially when looking forwards to a good night’s sleep.

 

9.         Invest in a quality mattress. A mattress that is past its best can be to blame for a restless night’s sleep. Read these Australian mattress reviews and find the perfect mattress for you.