cathy33
February 25
Bedtime & Sleep
What does bedtime look and feel like? Do you have a routine before you go to bed? What does you bedtime routine look like? Do you wind down and relax or do you fall into bed after a busy day?
Our bodies need to wind down, our minds need to settle down, before we try and fall asleep. How we prepare for our night’s sleep affects our quality of sleep.
Do you go to bed at a consistent time each night or do you stay up late one night and go to bed early on another? Consistency is a factor in how our bodies and minds know when to sleep.
Having a bedtime routine helps your brain realize it is time to go to sleep. We know the importance of children having a set bedtime with a set routine but we often don’t bother as adults. Yet having a bedtime routine is just as important as an adult.
How well do you sleep? Do you get enough sleep? Do you sleep through the night? Is your sleep restless? Or do you sleep soundly? Everyone has slightly different requirements for the amount of hours of sleep needed. What matters more is the quality of that sleep.
It you wake up refreshed and ready to start the day then you have had a quality night’s sleep. If you wake up feeling tired and could roll over and go back to sleep then you haven’t had a good night’s sleep.
By creating a night time routine your quality of sleep will improve. A consistent regular bedtime routine will tell you mind that it’s time to let go of worry, anxiety and concern and relax. You will fall asleep faster and easier. And you will sleep better.
To create a better bedtime routine decide on a regular bedtime. Then try and plan a routine that starts at least 30 minutes before that time.
Your bedtime routine can include, taking a bath, reading a book, meditating, having a light snack and a cup of chamomile or lavender tea, stretches and breathing exercises, listen to music or journal. What other calming activities can you think of? What activities help you relax?
Don’t forget to put away all electronics, or at least don’t use them during the 30 minutes before bed. Adjust the temperature to your ideal sleeping temperature.
Create your own bedtime routine.
