submitted by Cheryl Conklin of Wellness Central
Poor quality sleep results in a whole host of negative mental effects, from daytime stress and mental fatigue to disorders like anxiety and depression. If you want to boost your mental well-being, improving your sleep should be your number one priority! Sleeping better will help you feel energized, emotionally stable, and cognitively sharp all day long. Consider making some of the following changes to your lifestyle habits and daily routine to get more high-quality sleep every night.
Optimize Your Bedroom
Your bedroom environment can make or break your sleep. Make some adjustments to transform your sleeping space into a relaxing sanctuary!
⦁ Cut the clutter. You’ll find it much easier to relax without piles of stuff around you.
⦁ Find ways to keep your bedroom cool, even if you don’t have an air conditioner.
⦁ Make your bedroom darker with blackout shades — or wear an eye mask!
⦁ Consider incorporating stress reducers into other rooms in your home as well.
Adopt a Bedtime Routine
A bedtime routine can help you close out the day and make sleep come a little more easily.
⦁ Turn to BYOM Yoga videos for a relaxing practice before bed.
⦁ Listen to music that can help you relax or accompany your meditation.
⦁ Take a warm bath before bed to encourage your core body temperature to drop.
⦁ Instead of scrolling on your phone before bed, pick up a good book!
Try Natural Sleep Aids
Certain natural supplements, teas, and essential oils can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy better quality sleep during the night.
⦁ CBD oil has been found to relieve insomnia and promote more ⦁ restful sleep.
⦁ Melatonin supplements may help you cope with occasional insomnia.
⦁ The scent of lavender has been shown to promote relaxation.
⦁ Sipping passionflower tea before bed may help induce sleepiness.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
From exercising to avoiding junk food, boosting overall health can enhance your sleep quality.
⦁ Learn healthy habits for better sleep hygiene.
⦁ Remember that some exercise is better than no exercise at all!
⦁ Understand how a healthy diet can help you wake up feeling more refreshed.
⦁ Before bed, avoid sleep-disturbing food and drink like alcohol, spicy foods, and fatty snacks.
Your ticket to better mental well-being may be as simple as improving your sleep! Of course, this is often easier said than done. If you have trouble falling asleep at night—or you have a habit of staying up too late—start making some simple lifestyle changes to improve your sleep habits today!
