Even though everyone does it, few people manage to get in a good night’s sleep. Resting for that recommended eight hours each night seems virtually impossible for some.Â
There are various reasons why this can be the case. A demanding career can force people into missing previous hours of sleep, instead of relying on copious amounts of coffee to see them through the day. Stress is another frequent factor that causes individuals to stay awake at night.Â
This has serious ramifications on an individual’s health. Without a full night’s rest, you could suffer from everything from weight gain to a risk of heart disease. As a result, if you’re suffering from a lack of sleep, you need to improve the situation. To help, here are five tips to put into practice.Â
1. Get a better mattressÂ
It’s surprising just how much of a difference a comfortable bed can make when it comes to a more restful sleep. If your mattress is old or of substandard quality, it can promote poor sleeping posture, leading to a poor night’s sleep.Â
The good news: there are many mattress options available on the bed market. The bad news: the amount can make a choice difficult. One of the best picks is a gel memory foam mattress. For more information, visit https://gelfoambed.com/.
2. Maintain a sleep scheduleÂ
It’s hard, yes, but attempt to set aside at least seven hours for sleep. The best way of doing this is by maintaining a set sleep schedule. That means going to bed and getting up at the same time each day. Even if it is the weekend, try and keep the sleep schedule difference to a maximum of one hour either side.Â
Not only will this schedule help you to sleep more, but it’ll also help you get to sleep quicker.Â
3. Watch what you drink and eat
Avoid going to bed either hungry or stuffed. Although when fighting off hunger, don’t leave it too late – you shouldn’t have any substantial meals two-three hours before bedtime.Â
There are certain drinks you need to avoid, including alcohol and caffeine. Alcohol can ruin plans of a full night’s sleep, while caffeine’s stimulating effect often takes hours to wear off and isn’t conducive to swiftly falling sleep.Â
4. Turn off your phone
Mobile phones are an essential part of life. People are always connected to their phones, whether it’s keeping up with business or their social media feeds. This has also led to a notable decrease in average sleep duration.Â
Even though it can be tempting to keep your phone on, ensure it is switched off before you go to sleep. Try and avoid any use of it for an hour before going to bed instead of reading a book.Â
5. Go with an active lifestyle
Physical activity has been proven to encourage better sleep. Simply going for an extended walk or a 20-minute fitness routine can make a significant difference. However, try and avoid any strenuous exercise right before bedtime.Â