6 Things That Could Be Hurting Your Sleep
Getting enough sleep each night is one of the most important factors in your health. However, many of us take our sleep for granted by not making it a priority to get seven to eight hours, which can negatively impact our lives in a big way. While you should see a doctor if you are suffering from serious issues, there are some things that could be hurting your sleep that you can easily fix.
Drinking or Eating
Do you find yourself going to the bathroom frequently in the middle of the night? Or suffering from heartburn? Well, eating or drinking right before bed are two things that could be hurting your sleep. Try to stop drinking liquids or eating food about two hours before bed to improve your sleep.
Blue Light
Some people who have issues sleeping resort to watching TV to help them fall asleep. Others spend their last moments of a day on their phone scrolling through social media. It’s in your best interest to stay away from any screens before you fall asleep because of blue light, which is known to disrupt your sleep.
Old Mattress
Another reason why you might be suffering from poor sleep is if you have an old mattress. There are several signs that you may need a new mattress that you should be on the lookout for. The most common sign is if your mattress is at least ten years old. If this is the case, your mattress might be causing you back pain and other issues that could be preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep. If this is the case, perhaps swap out your mattress for a newer and better-made alternative that is designed to allow for the best night’s sleep, such as these Simba Mattresses as an example. Depending on the person different types of mattresses might be needed, so it’s advised to look around for one that could be the most beneficial.
Long Naps
A common mistake people also make that can be preventing you from getting good sleep is taking long naps during the day. There’s nothing wrong with taking naps-just make sure you aren’t taking one that’s longer than 20 minutes. However, a 90-minute nap can be beneficial because that is how long it takes to complete one sleep cycle. Anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes will make you feel groggy and make it difficult for you to fall asleep at night.
Exercise
While exercise can actually improve your sleep, you should avoid doing it right before bed. Sleeping is a relaxing experience, so give yourself at least 30 minutes before bed to wind down with a calming activity, such as reading. Performing exercise will make you tired, but you will also have more energy, which will make it difficult to fall asleep.
Inconsistent Sleeping Schedule
A final reason why you might be having sleep issues is that you might have an inconsistent sleeping schedule. To get enough sleep each night, you will want to establish a circadian rhythm, which is your natural sleep-wake schedule. When you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, your body will adjust to that sleep schedule-you will be tired at night and wake up refreshed in the morning, or vice versa as your lifestyle demands.
