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Last Updated on March 1, 2017
It’s amazing how sleep plays an tantamount part of our overall health. If you’re not getting enough sleep you can suffer from impaired memory, slowed speech, increased irritability ( I get as grumpy as a bear) and, if you’re trying to lose weight it can stall your weight loss. For women, lack of sleep can affect our cycles.
Sleep is not a luxury it’s a necessity if you want to be in good health. I make it a priority to get 8 to 9 hours of sleep a night. I’ve learned from trial and error some tips that will help you get better sleep and wake up more refreshed in the morning
Unplug from the TV, Internet, Phone at least 30 minutes before you sleep.
Ok, you might think this is impossible but there are things called books (A written or printed work consisting of pages glued or sewn together along one side and bound in covers) that will keep you occupied if you need some quiet entertaining before you fall to sleep. The reason behind this is that they overstimulate the brain and suppress Melatonin so it’s harder to get a good nights sleep.
Sleep in Total Darkness
Exposure to light at night when sleeping decreases your Melatonin levels and prevents you from getting the juicy sleep that you need. If you can’t get your room completely dark due to blinds (my issue), invest in a sleep mask.
Take some Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that is often lacking in most people’s diets. “A deficiency in this critical nutrient makes you twice as likely to die as other people, according to a study published in The Journal of Intensive Care Medicine.(i) ” Yikes! I started taking magnesium as I found it help quell some of the panic attacks I was having and I noticed that it helped me relax and sleep through the night. I started Mr. Bejelly on it also to help him deal with the stress of his job (in addition to adding from B vitamins) and he’s doing much better.
What have you found that helped you get a better night’s sleep?
Other than being waken by dog, child or dripping shower I thankfully sleep pretty well.
Geesh, twice as likely to die! I had to giggle a bit since we’re all guaranteed to die, lol.
It’s good to know that the target amount of sleep is 8-9 hours. I used always hear it being 6-8 and thought I was just a lazybones since I really function best on 9.
I’m probably not normal as I can’t sleep with out the tv on and I also fall asleep reading on my ipad or playing a game.
Interesting a co-worker of mine was just saying she takes Magnesium to calm her.
I haven’t been sleeping very good lately so thanks for the tips.
Total darkness works for me. Sometimes I take melatonin.
I am REALLY bad about not unplugging before bed — my husband gets on to me all the time for it. 🙁
I’m going to have to get some Magnesium!
These are really great tips!
Sleep and I have a love hate relationship lol Interesting about the magnesium though.
I didn’t know mag helped for sleep – I take it for my headaches and anxiety.
I am going to try the magnesium! I never heard that before.
Those are great tips! I need to get better about unplugging before bed, I typically DO read books before bed, but on my Kindle app on my phone-& I know the bright screen isn’t doing me any favors.
I do all of these things and they usually work, but I’ve been suffering from some crazy insomnia lately–I fall asleep just fine, but I wake up around 2 or 3 and can’t fall back asleep! :/ I wish I could get back into my usual sleep routine…
Oh no hun, I know with all the plates you’ve been spinning, your mind has to be going non stop. Have you ever tried 5 htp? Works like a charm for me when things are just too overwhelming.
Great tips! I take Magnesium every night before I go to sleep. Helps a lot, especially with this pregnancy. When I don’t take it, I definitely notice a difference in the quality of sleep I get.
Wonderful tips!
I always heard its best to shut down electronics before going to bed GReat tips
I’ve been unplugging for a while now. I have tried the magnesium too.
Great tips. I’m bad about being on the computer until my eyes can’t stay open.
I use to work at GNC and actually recommend Magnesium all the time. It works wonders for sleeping but also if you are just plain stressed out.
I don’t unplug before bed. I’ve developed a bad habit of taking my iPad to bed with me and play games on it until I pass out. I did not know that about Magnesium. I’ll be picking some up. Thanks for sharing!
I used to take some melatonin supplements but haven’t lately. I have a hard time falling asleep but have found that reading helps tons.
I have a problem with all of this…I find it difficult to unplug (I take the iPad into bed with me, how awful is that!) and I tried Mg once and felt sick after from taking too much, and we still have temp shades so every morning we get lots of light pouring in and forcing us awake. I don’t get enough sleep 🙂 Maybe I can try Mg again but a lower dose?
I would take a lower dose. On the Natural Calm it recommends you start with a half teaspoon and then go up to 2 teaspoons as your body acclimates to it. I so need to get some black out shades for our bedroom. It’s awful and has so much light in the morning.
Magnesium? I had no idea!!! I knew that was good for leg cramps, but sleep? Who knew! Well, you did.
I have a sleep mask but have never worn it yet.