No matter how hectic your routine is or how many hours of sleep you aspire to get, we all look forward to sleeping peacefully at the end of the day. That moment when your head drops on your pillow, and your mattress soaks all your tiredness away…what else could come close to this blissful feeling? However, despite our best efforts, many of us find ourselves tossing and turning, unable to drift off into dreamland even hours after hitting the bed. While most of us blame the usual suspects like caffeine and excess screen time, there are other sneaky habits that can sabotage your good night’s sleep. So, if you are not able to get quality sleep and can’t get hold of the reasons behind it, this article might be able to help you find the cause behind your disrupted sleep. Read on to know them all!
1. Midnight Snacks
Midnight snacks are always tempting, and we understand if you say they call out to you from the fridge. But you should know that certain foods can ruin your sleep. Eating spicy or heavy meals very close to bedtime can cause indigestion and discomfort. This will make it harder for you to fall asleep. So, even if you get hungry after dinner, you should opt for sleep-friendly snacks like a banana, almonds, or a cup of herbal tea.
2. Scrolling Through Your Phone For Hours At Night
It’s time to face a harsh reality: going to bed with your phone, tablet, or laptop is equal to bidding farewell to a restful night’s sleep. Most of us are guilty of making empty promises to ourselves, vowing to use our devices for just a few minutes before sleeping. But let’s be honest—it rarely works out that way. Before we know it, we’re caught up in mindless scrolling through social media. The culprit is the blue light emitted by electronic devices that wages war against melatonin, the sleep hormone.
3. Binge-Watching Shows
Binge-watching your favorite shows may seem like the perfect way to unwind, but it can come at the cost of a restful night’s sleep. Cliffhangers and intense storylines can leave your mind racing, making it difficult to calm down and relax before bed. You need to give yourself a buffer period to wind down with a calming activity like reading a book or practicing meditation before going to bed.
4. Using The Snooze Button Too Often
The snooze button may feel like an extension of your sweet dreams when you are in deep sleep, but it’s not! This habit can actually disrupt your sleep cycle and leave you feeling groggy throughout the day. You need to resist the temptation of hitting the snooze button and set your alarm for the actual time you need to wake up.
5. Caffeine Curfew
It’s no new news that caffeine can interfere with your sleep. Consuming caffeine too close to bedtime can disrupt your sleep patterns, even if you think you’ve built up a tolerance. Be mindful of your caffeine intake throughout the day and give your body ample time to wind down at night.
6. Temperature Fluctuation
Finding the perfect sleep temperature can be a tricky dance. Believe it or not, the temperature of your bedroom plays a significant role in the quality of your sleep. If your bedroom is too hot or too cold, it can disrupt your slumber, leading to restlessness and frequent awakenings. Experiment with different bedding materials, adjust your thermostat, or use a fan to find your sleep temperature sweet spot to ensure a more comfortable night’s rest.
7. Sleeping With Pets
Our furry friends bring us joy and companionship, but sharing the bed with them can disrupt our sleep. Dogs and cats have their own sleep patterns and behaviors that may clash with ours. From hogging the covers to snoring, their habits can disturb our sleep cycles. Consider creating a separate sleep space for your pets or establishing boundaries to ensure that everyone gets a good night’s rest. You can still cuddle with your pets during waking hours, but at bedtime, let them have their own cozy spot, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted sleep.
8. Late Night Workouts
Regular exercise is essential for our overall well-being, but timing is everything when it comes to sleep. Engaging in intense workouts close to bedtime can leave your body energized and your mind racing. This makes it challenging to fall asleep. While exercise has numerous benefits for sleep quality, try to schedule your workouts earlier in the day to allow your body time to wind down before bedtime. Gentle activities like yoga or stretching can be more suitable for the evening, promoting relaxation and preparing your body for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Sleep is a precious gift that rejuvenates our bodies and minds, allowing us to wake up refreshed. By addressing the habits that often disrupt our sleep, we can enjoy the benefits of a proper restful slumber. So which of these habits are you guilty of practicing that are barring you from getting undisturbed sleep? Let us know in the comments section!
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