5 Sleep Resolutions for 2014
We are approaching a new year and we are all thinking about how we can improve, especially our health. For many, New Year’s resolutions involve choices such as quitting a vice, exercising more, spending more time family or saving money.
One thing that deserves your attention and can definitely improve your health and your life is getting the proper amount of good quality sleep. It’s not a secret that most of us don’t get enough sleep each night.
To help improve your quality of sleep and amount of sleep you get, check out my list below to help get a better night’s rest.
- Make time for more sleep: We are living in a fast-paced and on-the-go society. That is all the more reason to make sleep a priority. Consider actually scheduling your sleep. Make time for at least eight hours each day.
- Limit your use of caffeine: The occasional cup of coffee or soda is fine, but be sure to avoid it in the late afternoon and evening. This is an easy one to say, but a hard one to do for many people; make the effort and you may be surprised at how this change can improve your sleep.
- Conduct a bedding review: If your bed or pillow is worn out, you’ve not created a proper environment for a great night’s sleep. Mattresses should be replaced every eight years and pillows should be replaced when they no longer support your head and neck properly. Make sure that your bedroom is conducive for sleeping, clean sheets and pleasant smells can make a big difference. And don’t forget that a cooler ambient temperature is usually better for good sleep.
- Get plenty of exercise: By using up some of the energy that can be keeping you up at night, you may achieve better sleep and be better rested in the morning. Just don’t exercise within two hours of bed time or you will interfere with your ability to go to sleep.
- Power Down: By turning off your electronics (Television, Computer, Tablet, and Mobile devices) at least an hour before lying down, you are able to slow down and work on sleep. Also, as an added benefit, the blue light emitted from electronic devices disrupts the brain’s natural melatonin production and can keep you awake longer—so keep those electronics out of the bedroom.