When was the last time you woke up energetic and ready to conquer the world? For me it was this morning! And you know why? It’s because I know a few tips and tricks that help me sleep like a baby even though I haven’t been one in a very, very long time.
A good sleep is not just for your energy levels, it’s also a fantastic way to keep track of your weight and allows the muscles to relax and rebuild after a powerful workout. After all we all know how cranky we can get if we don’t sleep enough, right? And to get things to the dark side, when you don’t have a quality sleep, the cravings start to pile up – you’re starting to daydream about sugary and fatty foods and this is how your diet and hard work go down the drain!
So, to help you keep in shape and get ready to be on top of the world, below are some tricks that work for me and my sleeping routine.
#1: Be Consistent
Whereas you’re a morning person or someone who likes to stay up until late, it’s important to establish a rhythm and to follow it every day. If you got to sleep and get up around the same time every day, you’ll set your internal clock to this rhythm. In time, you won’t even need an alarm clock – your body will know when it’s the natural time to wake up.
And most importantly – don’t disturb your rhythm (even on weekends)! If you do, you’ll experience jetlag –like symptoms and you’ll feel tired throughout the week.
#2: Take Naps
But be smart about it! Naps are like a really good cup of coffee: strong and short. A nap shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes and shouldn’t be too close to your bedtime. This is why it’s best to take a nap in the early afternoon, but if you feel you’re having troubles falling asleep, you should give up on napping for a few days.
#3: Change your Mattress
A mattress plays a huge role in the way you sleep so make sure yours is designed to accommodate your needs. For instance, if you have a king size mattress you already have all the space you want, but does it help release pressure in the joints and spine? Is it designed to help you relax according to the sleeping position you prefer?
If your mattress is too firm or too soft, or if it doesn’t offer the proper back support, you’ll wake up tired. There is also the chance that you’ll get back or neck pain. If this happens it’s time to start looking for a new one, but first make sure to read some tips before buying a king size mattress.
#4: Have a Relaxing Bed Time Ritual
Whereas it is yoga or just drinking a cup of warm milk, it’s important to mark the end of your workday with some sort of a ritual. This tells your body and brain that you’re ready to let go the excitements and stress of the day and slip into a long and restful slumber.
