If you’re having trouble sleeping, the cause could be a variety of reasons. However, there are certain aspects that you have control over that will positively impact your sleep.
Here are four steps you can follow for better sleep:
Keep A Consistent Schedule
It’s important to keep your schedule consistent as best you can.
Have you ever experienced consistently waking up five minutes before your alarm is supposed to go off? That’s because your body is used to a set schedule and while it can sometimes be annoying (we all love that extra five minutes of sleep), it’s a good thing.
Trying to go to bed at the same time every night if possible will allow your body to program itself to get enough sleep and wake up at a consistent time.
This can be difficult over weekends, but studies show that those who went to bed later on weekends reported poor sleep.
Avoid Caffeine Later In The Day
A cup of coffee in the morning isn’t a problem, but when that coffee or other caffeinated drink is consumed later in the day, that could negatively affect your sleep that night.
Studies have shown that it’s best to stay away from caffeine at least six hours before you plan on going to bed. So, if you plan on going to bed at 10 p.m., having a coffee at 6 p.m. probably isn’t the best idea.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Have you ever had a drink or two at night and had trouble sleeping? There’s a reason why. Alcohol can increase symptoms of disrupted sleep patterns, sleep apnea and even snoring.
Many people are surprised by this because alcohol may actually cause you to fall asleep faster due to its sedative properties, but you’ll also likely be waking up throughout the night.
Prepare Your Environment
There are simple tasks you can complete in your bedroom to put yourself in a position for a good night of sleep.
If you have light coming into your bedroom, that could wake you up earlier than your body wants to. Also, make sure that the noise in your bedroom is limited. Studies show that consistent erratic noise through the night impacts your sleep and mood quality.
The temperature of your bedroom can also play a huge factor in your sleep. We’ve all had a night when trying to sleep when it’s ninety degrees in the room. It’s nearly impossible to feel comfortable. The same goes for when the room is colder than it should be and you’re constantly trying to get warm.
Also, it’s important to make sure that your mattress and pillow situation is right for you. A comfortable mattress can help you sleep up to 60% better.
Sweet Dreams Are Made of These
If you’re concerned about your quality of sleep, schedule a visit to be evaluated at Whitney Sleep Center. We encourage you to set up an appointment at one of our Minnesota locations. Get better sleep: contact us today at masonw@whitneysleepcenter.com or visit our website.