7 tips for deep, blissed-out sleep…..
Em here offering you sweet pillow talk about dreamland where we spend about one-third of every day of our lives…
But first, why am I even talking about sleep when it’s something our bodies do naturally?
Actually, the truth is that sleep is not something that just happens… unless you are a teenager! Even babies need to learn to fall asleep and sleep well (spend a few days with a 10-month-old, and you'll see what I mean)!
What’s important about getting good sleep?
Good sleep is vital for good health. Sleep deprivation can lead to a multitude of health issues:
It increases the hunger hormone called ghrelin, which increases food cravings
It escalates the stress hormone called cortisol, which can cause weight gain, diabetes, heart attacks, high blood pressure, depression, osteoporosis, and depressed immunity
It causes elevated blood pressure in people with hypertension, which can lead to cardiovascular disease and stroke
Learning how to improve your sleep is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity!
So how do I get better sleep?
Follow these 7 tips and rest assured (excuse the pun) that you will feel more rejuvenated and energized than you even knew was possible:
1. Practice regular sleep rhythms by going to bed and waking up around the same time each day
2. Create total quiet and darkness in your bedroom
3. Avoid caffeine or reduce your intake in the afternoon, as it affects your sleep dramatically
4. Get regular exposure to daylight for at least 20 minutes a day (fun fact - the sunlight triggers your brain to release melatonin which is vital for healthy sleep)
5. Eat dinner no later than two hours before you go to bed because eating a heavy meal before bedtime will impede your body’s natural overnight detoxification process. (Don't worry, light snacks before bed is fine! And yummy.)
6. Write down your worried thoughts before bedtime, so you can free your mind and drop into a deep and restful sleep. I also like to write down (or think to myself) 1-3 things I LOVE about life so I can transition into a headspace of contentment, gratitude, and peace as I drift off to sleep.
7. Take a hot salt or aromatherapy bath because raising your body temperature before bed helps to induce sleep
What do I do now?
Of course, as with anything else in life, what works for one may not work for all. That’s why in my health coaching practice, it’s key to help my clients implement the best sleep practices for their lifestyle so they can make the most of their sleep in a way that comes to them easily and naturally. Because we all know what happens when you try to “force” yourself to fall asleep… (hint: you still can’t sleep… except now you’re also laying there thinking about how annoying it is that you can’t fall asleep!).
Click the link below to schedule a time to talk with me today if you need the support and accountability to help you get on board the blissful sleep train.
Cheers to your health and finally getting in a good night's sleep!
xo,
Em