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I am a former night owl. (You can read all about my transformation from night owl to early riser here.) While I occasionally slip back into bad habits I feel the impact of the absence of my preferred sleep routine so much it's usually not difficult to get myself back in line. Sleep is so essential to our ability to perform- in our jobs, in our family life, in everything. So with this weekend's time change (giving us parents an extra hour of sleep to recover from all the sugar induced kid craziness from Halloween tonight) here are some ways to get a better night's sleep:
1. Go to bed at the same time every night even on the weekend. While it might be tough at first, your body will get used to the routine and get used to falling asleep quickly and waking up well. You can help things along by having a good daily schedule which involves exercise in the morning and the same rituals before bed like herbal tea, and a bath. As I mentioned at the top of my post, I changed from night owl to early riser- and I NEVER in a million years thought it was possible for me, but I am a convert- and think you will love the positive change too.
2. Create a sleep retreat. Your bedroom should help you sleep, not stimulate you more. This is why I am a huge proponent of TV-less bedrooms. And the design of the space should invite peace and tranquility! Your bed should feel like a cloud, and the room should be void of clutter. Let it be your sanctuary! Do this by investing in bedding. My dear friend Jo Alcorn has just launched her signature pillow made out of StaminaFibre, which is a washable, hypoallergenic, cruelty-free down alternative. And did you hear that Sarah Richardson has just launched her bedding collection? For $195 you get a gorgeously coordinated, 100% cotton bedding set to set the stage for a good night's sleep. Lastly, commit to keeping the bedroom clutter-free. For years and years our bedroom was where stuff got stashed when guests were coming over. And then the stuff never left. So just commit- don't let it be a dumping ground- you deserve it!!!
3. Calm that crazy mind. I find this one really difficult, as a mom of 5 and entrepreneur there is a whole lot of stuff that happens in my brain! I find running a diffuser with lavender essential oils really helpful to calm my body down and I literally just lie there breathing deeply while it runs. Also resist the urge to bring your phone into bed and check a million things just before your eyes close. I would not be authentic if I didn't share that I struggle with this big time- but I feel first hand the tension that builds and I myself am causing my body to ramp up right before sleep- not good! Must kick this voluntary habit. Lastly, try an herbal supplement like Pascoflair 30 minutes before bed to help clear your mind.
How do you get a better night's sleep? Love to know in the comments below.
