Sleeping… if someone says they don’t like to sleep, they’re definitely lying, and I’m sure that they have some underlying issues that need to be checked asap. As someone who loves to sleep, it is very annoying and disturbing when I can’t fall asleep; tossing and turning until the sun comes up. And if I’m lucky to fall asleep, then those ZZZs are not as quality as they should be. Sometimes it feels like I’m half-asleep and half-awake in alternate universes (if you’ve been there you know what I mean). And then it comes a time when you try different natural sleep tips for a better night’s sleep, from counting sheep to making sure there’s not a peep of light in the room; sometimes it works but most times it doesn’t.
That said, did you know that the lack of sufficient sleep became a public health epidemic in 2020? What with the lockdowns and what not? And with the health and wellness market constantly evolving, nearly every industry is looking at sleep as a crucial component to overall wellness and avoidance of chronic stress and burnout (as they should). From changing your overall lifestyle to embracing mindfulness, and even drinking a cuppa before bed, it seems nothing is being left to chance when it comes to a good night’s sleep. And to throw in our two cents or so, Holly Huntley, an education specialist from Pukka Herbal, has shared with us her top 3 natural sleep tips, for a better night’s sleep.
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Natural Sleep Tips
1. Create a sleep ritual
It’s quite unrealistic to expect your body to switch off, especially after a busy day. Establishing a bedtime routine that’s realistic and sustainable can be really helpful so things like listening to a podcast, or listening to a story can help you move over from a busy mind into one of relaxation
2. Natural solutions
People that really struggle sleeping should avoid caffeine. Herbal teas such as Valerian, Chamomile, or Lavender really have lovely soothing properties that can help you switch off and calm the mind before bed
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3. Think about light
Research suggests that getting outside in the morning can be really helpful in setting your circadian rhythm which is your sleep-wake cycle. If you’re going to be looking at your mobile phone, TV, or any bright light, that’s going to be interfering with your melatonin level which is a hormone that is secreted towards the end of the night and which basically tells you that you need to go to bed. That’s why you need to reclaim your bedroom and make it a lovely sleeping haven. This could include removing any distractions, any bright lights, and making sure that your room is nice, dark, and ventilated.
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The above are simple natural sleep tips that you may find useful (or not). So, when you reach that state where you’re unable to sleep and you start wondering why penguins don’t have knees, which are your go-to tips for a good night’s sleep? Feel free to share in the comments below, no matter how ridiculous they may sound.