Yes... You Deserve A Good Night's Sleep Too
Daylight Savings is finally here and gives us many reasons to celebrate. Finally, it’s still light outside after the work day, temperatures are warming up and summer is quickly approaching. However, with this time change, it can become more challenging to adjust and get to sleep at a normal hour (especially when 8pm still feels like the daytime).
Having trouble winding down or just want suggestions for a better night’s sleep? Foxxtales has you covered with these tips and tricks:
By Stephanie Mace
Limit screen time before bed
Yes, that means no Netflix right before turning off the light. We’ve been hearing this one for a long time, but it can be a tough adjustment to make. Try leaving devices (phones, laptops, etc) out of the bedroom and putting your phone on airplane mode before sleep. This will help you avoid the temptation to check email or scroll through Instagram as you wind down.
Journal/write a list
If you have rushing thoughts that interfere with your ability to chill out at night, try writing in a journal or making a list. Writing in a journal provides space for reflection on your day while creating a list allows you to consider anything that needs to be done the following day, so you don’t keep thinking about it at night.
Get moving
While exercising has many health benefits, it can also help you sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, “even light exercise is better than no activity.” If your day is too jam-packed to fit in a full workout, try taking a brisk walk in the morning or doing a few minutes of yoga.
Go to bed at the same time
You might not feel tired or sleepy at the same time each night, but maintaining the same bedtime can improve sleep, according to the National Sleep Foundation: “Stick to a sleep schedule of the same bedtime and wake up time, even on the weekends. This helps to regulate your body's clock and could help you fall asleep and stay asleep for the night.” Sounds good to us!
Read a book
Reading a book is another way to relax and signal to your body that its time for bed--without relying on TV. Not sure what to read? Check out Foxxtales’ 5 Books by Women for Women.
Think about what you eat
While many foods such as coffee, wine and chicken (surprise!) can disrupt sleep, others can promote a good night of rest. Try bananas, sweet potatoes or cereal if your looking for a bedtime snack to ease relaxation.
Try a sleep mask
It’s not always easy to create a completely dark environment, especially if you live with a roommate. Beyond simply blocking the light, putting on a sleep mask before bed can become a simple way of signaling to your body that it’s time for sleep.