3 Tips for Getting a Good Night of Sleep

You’ve tossed and turned all night. As you start out the next morning, you have only to rub your tired eyes to know the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. Sometimes it’s easier said than done, however. Here are some tips to help you get the rest you need:

Set a regular schedule. Most people have a natural waking/sleeping pattern called the Circadian Rhythm. The more in tune you are with your body’s natural sleep schedule, the more energized and refreshed you’ll feel. When the body is in rhythm, it can make better use of the time it has to rest.

Let the sun shine in. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone controlled by light exposure that helps regulate your circadian cycle. Your brain should secrete more in the evening, when it’s dark, to make you sleepy, and less during the day when it’s light and you want to stay awake and alert. You can try opening the curtain in your home when you’re there or spending some time outside during breaks at work.

Make your bedroom sleep friendly. A comfortable bed can go a long way towards getting a good night sleep. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature. If possible, try to keep your environment soothing and peaceful. If that’s not entirely possible, consider introducing some ‘white noise’ like the sound of a fan or a recording of the ocean waves washing in. 

Keep experimenting until you find the right combination for you. After all, a great day often starts with a great night of sleep.