How well do you sleep? Do you wake up feeling amazing or like you’ve not actually slept at all?
Sleep is absolutely vital for us to recharge, not just physically but mentally too. As parents, we’re busy all day long and often stressed, so it’s really important that we give our bodies and minds the chance to reset.
Late nights may be doable occasionally – if you have a tough deadline to hit they may be a necessity – but they shouldn’t become a habit. Experts recommend we aim for 7.5 hours of shuteye a night.
Whether I get enough sleep or not really does affect my entire day. If I get less than seven hours of sleep, or I don’t feel as though I’ve slept well, I am a right grump the next day.
After a good night’s sleep, I honestly feel like I could do anything. I feel positive and ready to kick ass, and this is when I am my most productive.
Here are our top five tips for a perfect sleep, so that you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day like a boss.
Five tips for a perfect sleep
Keep your bedroom cool
Although you might think being cosy and warm is sleep-inducing it’s actually not! Experts recommend keeping your bedroom at 16-18 degrees to create the right conditions for sleep.
This is actually really cool. Keep a window open if you need to. Air your bedroom during the day if you can.
So if you’re tossing and turning all night long and you’re not sure why, it may well be because your room is just too warm.
Turn off your screens
This is so important but one that I find very difficult to stick to. How many of us scroll through Instagram or check Facebook before bed?
Experts say that the light from your screen can make it harder for you to fall asleep. Their advice is to try to keep your bedroom technology-free if you can – and avoid having a television in there too.
Screens should be turned off at least 30 minutes before you head off to bed so make sure you get your social media fix well before bedtime.
Invest in great bedroom furniture
Make sure you invest in good quality bedroom furniture. You want your bed and mattress to be super comfortable.
If you don’t have much space, try a divan bed with memory foam mattress. Divan beds are perfect if you don’t have much storage space in your bedroom as they come with built-in underbed drawers.
Memory foam mattresses are very comfortable and mould to your body shape to provide great support during the night.
Avoid caffeine and too much liquid before bed
It probably goes without saying that you shouldn’t drink coffee right before bed, but don’t forget that things like chocolate probably aren’t a good idea either.
Also try to avoid drinking too much water before bedtime, otherwise you’ll wake up in the middle of the night needing a trip to the bathroom.
Practice meditation and mindfulness before you sleep
Meditation and mindfulness can be really helpful to get you to relax before sleep, particularly if you’re feeling stressed or anxious after a difficult day.
There are meditation apps you can try, such as Headspace, or head to a class to learn techniques that you can practice at home.
Slowing down your breathing and focusing on your breath, rather than thinking about things that are worrying you, is an effective way to learn to switch off before bed. It might take a bit of practice but it will get easier.
What works for you?
What helps you to sleep better at night? Please share your tips in the comments below, I’d love to hear them.
Disclaimer: In collaboration with The Sleep Station