HOW TO GET A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP

 A better night’s sleep is very essential for your overall health and well-being. Here are some science-backed tips to improve your sleep quality:

HOW TO GET A BETTER NIGHT'S SLEEPhi

1. Understand your circadian rhythm:

To get a better night’s sleep attempt to keep similar sleep and wake-up patterns, as
your na
tural biological clock is much more synchronized to daylight
cycles.

To realize your circadian rhythms you have to recognize the
internal, natural processes that let you regulate the sleep-wake cycle during
the 24-hour period. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

    • Biological Clock: 

    One of the major determinants of
    the sleeping pattern is the biological clock which is installed in the
    suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the brain. This clock regulates
    when you can be just sleepy or alert.

    Light Influence: 

    Circadian
    rhythms are strongly defended by light and dark in your surroundings. The
    exposure to light reaches the SCN in form of signals, which then makes the one
    that releases melatonin a hormone that makes you sleepy at night.

    Regularity: 

    These rhythms
    are known as “circadian,” that literally means “about a day,” because they are
    acting on an almost 24-hour time period.

    Environmental Signals: 

    Besides
    light, factors such as food intake, physical activity, social life, and
    temperature may also contribute to the breakage of your circadian rhythm.

    A routine with a regular rhythm could be achieved by sticking to a
    schedule of sleeping well and exposing yourself to daylight during the day
    while every night making your surroundings not so bright to cut melatonin
    production in the brain.

    2. Reduce screen time affects night’s sleep:

     Reduce
    exposure to screens while getting ready for bed to detect the blue light which
    can possibly disrupt your routine sleep.
    Decreasing the screen time can prove useful to improve not only the
    physical but also mental health. Here are some practical strategies to
    help you cut back on screen time:

    ·       
    Go Grayscale: In order to make your phone model
    less desirable, make its screen grayscale.

    ·       
     Disable ‘Raise to Wake: This feature might imply that
    people would start to glance at their phones more often than they usually do.

    ·       
    Limit Notifications: Decrease notifications such as phone
    calls or emails that do not require immediate response, thereby, creating fewer
    distractions².

    ·       
    Delete Social Media Apps: Looking at this, you better remove
    such apps from your phone to curb that continual scrolling effect.

    ·       
    Avoid Your Phone in the Bathroom: Keep your phone outside to do a
    little self-discipline and stop your hand to your phone all the time.

    ·       
    Mindful Googling: Don’t search listlessly; be
    disciplined and only search when it’s absolutely essential.

    ·       
    Take Fewer Photos: The length of time spent on the
    phone/your phone can be reduced by decreasing the number of pictures you take
    commonly.

    ·       
    Leave Your Phone Behind: Take an opportunity to get away
    from your mobile phones creeping on you at least for some time during the day.

    ·       
    Use a Traditional Alarm Clock: Screens surrounding your bed
    should be replaced with your phone at the time when you are about to sleep and
    when you get up not to encounter a screen right away.

    ·       
    Smartwatch or Tracker: Utilize this function instead, so
    that you don’t get interrupted by your calls.

    Besides, limiting screen time on the
    device makes you aware of your use and do a mind shift to do the other
    activities. Here is my key thing: find a way to both keep a balance with
    yourself and improve your life experience every day.

    3. Kick
    caffeine to get good sleep:

     Caffeine is a
    close friend during the morning, but an evening’s enemy because it can hinder
    falling asleep. Kicking caffeine can be a challenge, but here are some
    steps you can take to reduce your intake:

    ·       
    Gradual Reduction: Do not make sudden changes to your
    dosage, in order to prevent a withdrawal reaction. Cut the intake of
    caffeine a little each day.

    ·       
    Stay Hydrated: Drink water, as
    sufficient. These actions decrease the missing person’s physical symptoms
    and make abstaining from caffeine² much easier.

    ·       
    Switch to Low-Caffeine Options: Go for beverages with less
    caffeine, like decaf coffee, or lower caffeine below the sodas.

    ·       
    Mindful Consumption: Caffeine exists in many products so
    pay attention to this ingredient in food as well as drinks and medications that
    could be infused with caffeine.

    ·       
    Healthy Alternatives: Instead of drinking coffee or other
    caffeine-based drinks you can opt for healthier alternatives like herbal teas
    or a slice of water lemon.

    ·       
    Regular Meals: In addition to taking small-sized
    meals at certain intervals, it is crucial to have balanced meals regularly in
    order to maintain energy levels throughout the day.

    ·       
    Exercise: All forms of physical activity are
    ultimately an energy booster and can prevent the hustle and bustle of caffeine.

    ·       
    Rest: One way can be a guarantee you get
    enough sleep since the feeling of fatigue could intensify the urge for caffeine.

    Remember, everyone’s body reacts
    differently to caffeine, and some people may need to adjust their approach to
    reducing caffeine intake. If you’re finding it particularly difficult, consider
    consulting a healthcare professional for guidance
    .

    4. Increased Melatonin:

    Increased
    melatonin levels can significantly improve sleep by Shortening Sleep Onset:
    Using melatonin most likely cuts bedtime by half:

      
    Enhancing Sleep Quality: It may
    mitigate the ability to have a sleep that is more relaxing.
       Increasing Sleep Duration: A melatonin rise may one day mean a
    longer sleep.

      
    Boosting REM Sleep: Melatonin may
    enhance REM (rapid eye movement) sleep depth, which is one of the crucial
    stages of sleep.

    Melatonin is a hormone that is
    secreted by the brain when the nighttime darkness comes. According to the
    studies circadian clock is regulated and influences sleep at the same
    time. It is inherent in sunlight while light at night will block
    melatonin. It turned out that melatonin not only controls sleep
    lives but also provides an important function within the body, although there
    are some gaps in this understanding.

    5. Avoid Alcohol:

    Alcohol can affect sleep
    quality, so it’s best to limit its consumption to enhance your sleep.

    ·       
    Avoid Triggers: Keep off from parties, be among the
    people, who do not drink or in places that do not encourage alcohol.

    ·       
    Seek Support: Being among the friends and family
    who approve of your decision to abstain from alcohol is also a great habit.

    ·       
    Remove Alcohol: Refrain from having alcohol at
    home or defy the impulse of getting it fast and easily.

    ·       
    Healthy Alternatives: Switch from alcoholic drinks to
    nonalcoholic beverages and nutritious food, instead.
     

    ·       
    Address Underlying Issues: If negative experiences like those
    in the past or stress have been a cause for drinking, seek counseling or
    therapy.

    ·       
    Plan for Social Events: A good companion and entertainment
    are both good ideas if the rules would allow non-alcoholic drinks at the event.

    ·       
    Communicate: Comment as much as you can with
    people you are close to so that they become more familiar with the decision you
    are making to abstain from alcohol.

    ·       
    Mindfulness: Make yourself aware of the
    frequency of intake of liquor and the causes behind it to curb the urge.
     

    Remember, reducing or stopping
    alcohol consumption can have significant health benefits. If you find it
    challenging to avoid alcohol on your own, don’t hesitate to seek professional
    help or join a support group.

    ·       6.
    Optimize Your Sleep:

    Your bedroom should be quiet, dark
    and cool. Also, focus on a comfortable mattress and pillows.

    ·       
    Room Temperature: Set your room to around **without
    any deviation of the limits, as 65 to 68 degrees F.** What is often
    considered a comfortable condition for sleeping is a slight temperature
    variation in the low-to-mid range.

    ·       
    Darkness: Make use of blackout curtains,
    shades, or eye masking to be able to keep your bedroom dark, encouraging
    serotonin production and sleep.

    ·       
    Noise Reduction: Have these items ready in case
    obstruction is needed. Sounds usually distract people, but quietness induces
    better sleep.

    ·       
    Comfortable Bedding: Select the appropriate pillow and
    bedding texture that promotes good air circulation and find a mattress that is
    comfortable and contours your body type.

    ·       
    Furniture Positioning: For the best balance you should
    place your bed directly in the middle against the wall side with the bed being
    at the farthest point from the door possible with room for movement on both sides⁷.

    ·       
    Minimize Clutter: Have a minimum amount of décor in
    your room and everything tidy as a way of creating a peaceful and serene space.

    ·       
    Bright Light Exposure: Take a sun bath or use  artificial light gadgets in order to keep the
    right biological rhythm.

    ·       
    Blue Light Reduction: In the evening, limit the usage of
    the light which is emitted by screens since it may disrupt your sleep quality.

    Implementing these changes can
    create a more conducive environment for restful sleep. If you continue to have
    trouble sleeping despite optimizing your environment, it may be helpful to
    consult a healthcare professional.

    Remember, these tips are general
    advice and may not work for everyone. If sleep issues persist, it might be
    beneficial to consult a healthcare professional.

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