Anyone else struggle with insomnia or getting enough sleep? I do. In order to feel organized, productive, centered, and really anything else positive about your day, you need to get enough sleep. And good sleep. I bring this topic up because I struggle with insomnia and wanted to share some things that I do to help me get a better nights’ sleep. If I don’t sleep well or get enough sleep, my whole day is off.
According to the National Institutes of Health, adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep to function at their best. With our fast paced society and technology that brings us information instantly, there seems to always be one more thing we can get done before bed. One thing I make sure I do is turn off all screens at least an hour before bed and this seems to really help my brain start to slow down.
Next up is let’s make sure your room is clutter free. If you have lots of clutter in your bedroom it can drag your energy down and affect your sleep. Clear out anything that doesn’t belong in your bedroom, isn’t serving you anymore or you don’t absolutely love. Your bedroom is a room in your house that you spend the most time (maybe besides your kitchen), why not make it clean and tranquil.
I make sure I’m getting good exercise, not drinking caffeine in the afternoon (I’m currently taking a break altogether) and not eating too heavy of an evening meal after 6pm. I like to take a warm epsom salt bath to relax and have a cup of chamomile tea as part of my bedtime routine. According to the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, your bedroom should be cool and dark to sleep well and keep to a consistent bedtime in order to set your body’s internal clock.
And when I’ve done all the right things and I still can’t sleep, I get up and write in my journal. Sometimes just getting the ideas out of my head helps. When I’m really desperate I make an appointment with my acupuncturist. What do you do to help you get a good nights’ sleep? I’d love to know!