Top 6 Tips to Improve Your Sleep Hygiene

Improve Your Sleep Hygiene

Sleep is essential for our physical and mental health, but many of us struggle to get enough good quality sleep. Improving your sleep habits can make a big difference if you're having trouble sleeping due to poor sleep hygiene.

What is Sleep Hygiene?

Sleep hygiene consists of habits you use daily for great sleep at night and to feel alert and rejuvenated during the day. You will benefit from implementing good sleep hygiene habits to improve sleep quality night after night. With the rise in sleep deprivation in teens and adults, continuous stimulation, it's an excellent way to recharge your "life battery" by getting proper sleep.

6 Tips For Good Sleep Hygiene

1. Establish a Regular Bedtime Routine 

Create a consistent sleep schedule which means you follow a relaxing bedtime routine to help your body and mind prepare for sleep. This routine should start at least 60 to 30 minutes before sleep. Start by taking a warm bath or shower, reading a book, or listening to calming music, while turning the lights down or off.

2. Be Cool and Calm

Your sleeping space should be cool, dark, and quiet, so create a sleep-friendly environment with comfortable bedding and a supportive mattress. The ideal temperature in your bedroom should be between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit, according to sleep experts, but ultimately it's essential to choose a comfortable temperature. Avoid using electronics in bed, such as TVs, computers, and smartphones. According to the CDC, "Exposure to blue light (and white light, which contains blue light) during the sensitive period can make it difficult for you to fall asleep," as the blue light from electronics can interfere with your production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle.

3. Keep it Light Before Bed 

Say no to caffeine, alcohol, and large meals before bed. Caffeine can make it hard to fall asleep, and alcohol can make it hard to get good quality sleep, so it's best to avoid them in the hours leading up to bedtime. Similarly, eating a large meal close to bedtime can make it difficult to fall asleep because your body has to digest the food. Instead, try to have your last meal a few hours before going to sleep, and opt for a light, healthy snack if you need something until breakfast.

4. Limit Naps During the Day 

Napping can make it harder to fall asleep at night, so try to limit naps to no more than 30 minutes during the day. If you feel drowsy during the day, it's better to take a short walk or do some light exercise to boost your energy levels than to nap.

5. Avoid Looking at the Clock

When having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, avoid looking at the clock, as this can cause anxiety and make it even harder to fall asleep. Instead, focus on relaxing and clearing your mind, and try to get up and do something calming if you cannot fall asleep after a reasonable amount of time.

6. FightCamp First Thing in the Morning 

For improved sleep, select an aerobic workout in the morning and complete it. Studies have found that exercising when you wake up can help you fall asleep better and improve your sleep quality. Every day you wake up, your body starts building up "pressure to sleep" or a homeostatic sleep drive. The more physically or cognitively demanding activities you experience, the more sleep you will need. This pressure to sleep builds up the longer you stay awake and decreases when you sleep.

Train Like a Fighter, Sleep Like a Baby

In addition to these sleep hygiene tips, it's also important to avoid using your bed for activities other than sleep. Your bed should be a place associated with sleep, so avoid using it for things like watching TV, working, or eating. With these tips, patience, and practice, you can improve your sleep hygiene and get the restful sleep you need.

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