Did you know March is national sleep awareness month? That’s right, this month we celebrate the importance of sleep and the role it plays in supporting our well being and health! In honor of this event, why not go the extra mile for sleep that’s ultra peaceful and relaxing? Here are some of our favorite tips and tricks for getting amazing sleep, from cleaning your mattress in Orange County to drinking a cup of herbal tea.
The importance of sleep
Before getting into how you can improve your sleep quality, it’s important to also talk about exactly why we need sleep. Sleep affects a good portion of our body, including our immune system, heart health, mental health, brain function, the appearance of our skin, our mood and judgement, weight regulation, and much more. Essentially, we need an adequate amount of sleep every night to function at our best, both physically and mentally. For healthy adults, this generally looks like 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Not currently getting that amount of sleep in your own night routine? Read below for some tips to help you fall and stay asleep in no time!
Tips for better sleep
There are plenty of steps you can take to help encourage better sleep. Ranging from your room to caring for your Orange County mattress, here are some easy habits you can incorporate into your routine for the best sleep of your life!
Stay away from electronics half an hour before your bedtime-
Electronics including our cell phones, TVs, tablets, and computers emit something called blue light. Unfortunately, blue light is harmful to one’s sleep schedule, since it confuses the circadian rhythm and reduces the production of melatonin, thus making it harder to fall asleep. To avoid this, simply stop using all electronics at least 30 minutes before bed.
Relax before bed
Going to bed with a racing and stressed-out mind can make falling asleep difficult. For this reason, it’s a good idea to take some time before bed to unwind. A great way to do this is by doing activities that encourage relaxation. This includes meditation, journaling, reading, taking a warm shower or bath, and light yoga. Any one of these is a great method to reduce stress and promote sleep!
Clean your mattresses regularly
If you deal with allergies, you may find that they get worse around bedtime. This is no coincidence since your bed can hold mass amounts of allergens like dead skin cells, pet dander, dust and dust mites, and more, within the mattress. A good solution to this problem is to regularly vacuum your mattress in Orange County. In doing so, you’re getting rid of all of those pesky allergens that are causing your itchy eyes, sneezing, and congestion, so you can sleep more peacefully at night!
Try dietary supplements and teas
Supplements and teas such as lavender, melatonin, chamomile, and valerian root are known for their sleep-promoting properties, making them a good addition to your diet if you’re struggling to fall and stay asleep. Of all the supplements available, melatonin may be the most useful when trying to induce sleep, since it is the main hormone responsible for alerting your brain that it’s time for bed. Of course, it’s always a good idea to discuss supplements with your doctor before introducing anything new to your diet.
Set up your bedroom for success
Your sleeping environment can most certainly affect how well you sleep. To encourage better sleep, it’s a good idea to design your room with sleep in mind. For example, make sure your room is set to a comfortable temperature so you don’t risk waking up either too cold or hot in the middle of the night. Other tips include cleaning your room regularly, using soft sheets, misting lavender linen spray over your pillows, installing blackout curtains, and even using a white noise machine. Ultimately, the goal here is to make your room a space for sleep that is comfortable, clean, and relaxing.