We all know that getting enough sleep is important, but 8 hours of sleep is simply not enough if we don’t feel well-rested. Getting 8 hours of well-rested sleep has numerous benefits from significantly lowering chances of diseases and cancers to being more happy and content. In today’s blog post, I’ll go through 5 sleep habits that will put you to sleep right away and keep you in a deep rest all night.
Create a Simple Night Routine
Night routines are essential sleep habits because they signal to our brain that it is time to start winding down. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated but can include taking a shower, doing your skincare, reading, journaling, and more. For this sleep habit, I take 5 minutes to reset my space followed by my night skincare routine. After, I try to spend a few minutes journaling.
My night routine sleep habit only takes me about 15 minutes to do, but by the end, I am ready to pass out.
Cool Down Your Environment
Studies show that we sleep better when our environment is a little cooler. Don’t go crazy here, but try decreasing your environmental temperature by a few degrees for this sleep habit.
Because our internal body temperatures lower while we fall into a deep sleep, this sleep habit allows your body to do this quicker. As a result, you fall asleep faster.
{Related Post: A Daily Mindful Evening Routine for the Busy Girl}
Let Go of the Phone
This is probably the hardest sleep habit to implement, but we all know how screen time is detrimental to a good night’s sleep. While it is recommended to be off your phone for at least 2 hours before going to bed, this is not always realistic. I like to think that at least 30 minutes is a good starting point, and you can slowly increase the time as you get used to it.
This sleep habit makes the biggest difference when trying to go to sleep and stay asleep because the content we are consuming keeps our brain switched on while the blue light decreases melatonin production.
So while 2 hours may seem too overwhelming to implement, try to start with no screens about 30 minutes before lights out.
Take a Few Deep Breaths
Right before sleeping, after the lights are turned off, take a few deep breaths. Implementing this sleep habit not only releases the tension and stress built up throughout the day, but it also lowers your heart rate. Lowering your heart rate is another essential part of a deep night’s rest.
By implementing this sleep habit you are helping your body drift to sleep faster.
{Related Post: Your Daily Routine After Work: 5-9 Routine for the Brown Girl}
Try to be Asleep by 10 pm
This may be difficult to implement, especially when work and life take over, but there is a reason for this sleep habit. In Ayurveda, our mind and body shift every four hours. Just as 10 am-2 pm is a deep focus and productive time, 10 pm-2 am is this time as well.
If you find yourself getting a jolt of energy around 10 pm or not being able to fall asleep for hours during this period, it is likely because your body is ready to get work done again. Try falling asleep before this time. You’ll be surprised by how much more well-rested you wake up, especially since you will wake up less throughout the night as well.
Final Thoughts
I hope you found this blog post to be helpful! These sleep habits will help you get to sleep faster and stay asleep for longer. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
With love,
Aditi <3
Aditi Rani – Figuring Out Life in Your Twenties
*Disclaimer: This is not professional advice. Some links are affiliate. By clicking and/or purchasing, I may receive a commission. It does not alter the price or change your buyer experience.
