When it comes to your health, getting a good night’s sleep is as important as eating a well-balanced diet, and getting enough regular exercise. It really can make a difference not just to the day ahead (you know it is easier to work and function when you have had a good night’s sleep) but also to your overall health.
When you sleep well, your hormones will be better balanced, and your organs will be able to regenerate and heal, ready to work at their optimum the next day. Plus, too little sleep over a long period will contribute to weight gain, shortness of temper, and other issues such as depression, anxiety, and heart problems. So, it is crucial to get a good night’s sleep as often as possible, and here are some tips to help you achieve this goal.
Go Outside
The body works on something called the ‘circadian rhythm’. This is the cycle that allows your body to know when it is time to sleep (and therefore, it will start to get sleepy) and when it is time to be awake. Many things in the modern world can confuse the circadian rhythm, especially the number of screens and the blue light they emit, which makes the body feel it is still daytime even when it is late at night.
As well as reducing screen time (at least one hour before bed there should be no screens used at all), it is important to go outside. Getting one to two hours of daylight will re-set the circadian rhythm and keep the body on track for getting tired at the right time. Go for a walk or sit outside for a little while every day, and this will help.
Use Natural Oils
Using natural oils such as CBD oil from CopeCBD or essential oils like chamomile, peppermint, and lavender can help you to get a good night’s sleep. In natural remedy stores, you can find extracts in capsule form, or herbal tea blends, and solutions that can be added to baths.
The chemicals in these extracts react with the chemicals in your body and re-set your circadian rhythm as well as combat stress hormones like cortisol to allow you to relax more easily. It may take time to work out which oils in which combination (or combinations) work best for you, but this experimentation is a good idea, and soon you’ll discover what it takes to help you sleep better.
Don’t Nap
Napping in the daytime might seem like a great idea, especially when you are feeling tired because you didn’t sleep well the night before. However, this could be the worst thing you could do if you want a good night’s sleep later. By napping in the day, you are confusing your circadian rhythm again, meaning that when it comes to your normal bedtime, you won’t feel tired because your body will think it’s still time to be awake.
If you are feeling tired in the day and can’t function properly because of it, don’t go to bed. You can go for a walk to wake yourself up (and get some sunshine at the same time) or do some exercise instead.