With the beginning of the New Year signalling a time for reflection and change, a good better sleep routine is a surefire way of starting 2024 on the right side of the bed. Sleep is the time when our bodies replenish energy stores and repairs, whilst our minds organise and store away the memories of the day before.
A good night’s sleep should leave you feeling more energised, focused, motivated and less stressed, helping you to go about your day in a more positive way.
As the New Year approaches and resolutions are created, we hope improving your sleep is a priority. Here are our top tips for a better sleep routine:
1. Have a light snack for supper – bananas are a source of magnesium and potassium, helping to relax muscles. They also contain the amino acid tryptophan, which stimulates production of brain calming hormones. A recent TikTok trend has seen users eating pineapple to help themselves fall asleep, and this works, as the fruit encourages the production of melatonin.
2. Switch off screens – screens are visually stimulating and they can suppress the body’s production of the sleep hormone, melatonin, making it more difficult to fall asleep.
3. Do relaxing activities – reading books, completing jigsaws and sewing are great ways of winding down. A bath 30 minutes before bed can also help to promote sleep.
4. Try meditation – pick a quiet spot, wear loose fitting clothing and use a 10-15-minute guided meditation (there are many available online), making sure to take deep breaths and keep your eyes closed.
5. Create the ideal bedroom environment – make sure your room is cool, dark and quiet, and keep clutter out of sight. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb, and try to avoid having televisions, computers and other LED screens in your room.
Entering the New Year is the perfect time to start making efforts to improve your mental and physical wellbeing, and getting a high-quality night’s sleep is part of that. Sleep is hugely important to leading a healthier and happier life, and we want everyone to share that sentiment and understand the importance of sleep as part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Building a good sleep routine, and sticking to it, will help increase positivity and reduce levels of stress, meaning people can start the New Year feeling refreshed.
Here’s to a happy and healthy 2024!