Lifestyle Blog 12: How to get Better Sleep at Night

 Happy Monday Readers! 

Sleep is a topic that has become more popular to research and talk about in the last decade. Getting a better night's sleep can plague all of us occasionally, and it's important to have methods on hand to help you improve your sleep. Especially in this time of COVID-19, stress has risen dramatically, and so too has sleepless nights. The tips below on how to get better sleep at night will hopefully help you to relax and recharge your batteries, ready to face the next day with new energy. 

1. No screens before bed. 

This is a common tip given for improving sleep, but one that many people ignore. It can be an easy habit to get into to look at your phone before bed, but the blue light from your phone can train your eyes and brain to feel more awake and sharp. Blue light as well can cause eye strain, so if you have to look at your screens before bed, whether it's your phone, computer, or tablet, be sure to wear blue-light blocking glasses to help give your eyes a break. It's best however if you try to avoid screens before bed, at least a half-hour before trying to fall asleep. This will help you to better relax and get comfortable. Instead, try reading a book. 

2. Drink some tea to help naturally boost sleepiness 

There are many teas that can help you to feel more relaxed and sleepy. Drinking teas such as chamomile, peppermint, lavender, or catnip before bed can help you to relax easier. Tea drinking can also provide warmth and comfort to your body, helping you to calm yourself. 

3. Don't get addicted to natural sleep aids such as melatonin 

Melatonin, and other natural sleep aids, can be helpful in aiding your sleep, but can also be easily addictive to use. Using an external sleep aid for a longer period of time trains your body to depend on these external aids to produce melatonin in your body, the protein that makes you sleepy. If you bring external melatonin to your body for long periods of time, your body reprograms itself to use this external melatonin instead of producing its own melatonin naturally. Make sure to keep your body healthy by only using these natural aids periodically, and not over sustained periods. 

I know there are plenty of more health tips out there for helping you to get better sleep at night. I hope that these tips help you to relax and recharge your energy. Reach out with any questions on my social media or website. 

Until next time, 

Katie