Sleep is one of the best things you can do for yourself, but is often overlooked. Too many people lose out on sleep or at least have a poor quality of sleep, assuming it is just something you do, and not at all important. But your sleep quality can affect nearly every facet of your life, including your physical health, mental health, and so much more.
Know How Much Sleep You’re Getting
Before you can adjust your sleep routine, you need to have a starting point. Keep a sleep diary for a few days or weeks about what time you go to sleep and when you wake up. Note what are doing before going to sleep, if it was easy or hard to fall asleep, and how often you wake up in the night.
This can be written down in whatever way is easiest for you, from writing down notes in a journal or notebook to tracking it on your phone. You can also create a simple spreadsheet that lets you track your sleep, including when you started getting ready for bed when you actually went to sleep, and when you woke up.
Why Are You Missing Out on Sleep?
Just by writing down your sleep routine, you have probably picked up on some habits that are keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep.
Not only will writing down your sleep habits show you how many hours of sleep you tend to get, but what your routine is like, and what bad habits are leading you to lose sleep. Include details like whether or not you had the TV on at night if you were using your phone if you read a book before bed, or if you had a lot of stress and that’s why you had trouble falling asleep.
Tips for Improving Your Sleep Hygiene
Sleep hygiene is just about your routine of sleep, including your environment, what you do before sleep, and even how you wake up.
Start by setting up your room to be optimal for sleep. It should be decorated in soothing colors, decluttered, and simplistic. You want a good temperature in your room, and comfortable bedding and pillows. Try to keep your phone away from your nightstand and plugged in, so it isn’t a distraction.
For your sleep habits, give yourself at least an hour before sleep where you unplug and just relax, whether it is reading a book or doing some meditation before bed.