Some great ideas for a good night’s rest
You simply won’t feel like exercise or a workout if you’re tired and haven’t slept very well, so it’s in our interests at Total Fitness that you get plenty of rest. With this in mind we’ve come up with a few clever little ways to help you drift off and sleep soundly. So if you have trouble sleeping, or you know someone who does, check out our list, or better still print off a copy and read it in bed tonight.
Mmmm…that smells nice
It’s been proven that aromatherapy can help to relax your body and improve the quality of your sleep, so try a few drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow. Even if it doesn’t instantly send you to sleep, it’s a very pleasant smell that’s sure to help you chill out.
Have a hot milky drink
This sounds like something your Mum would approve of and they always know best don’t they. And if you don’t fancy the milky drink try a chamomile tea instead. But whatever you do, don’t have a coffee. The caffeine in it can take as long as eight hours to wear off, so even having one in the afternoon could keep you awake in the evening.
Avoid an alcoholic nightcap
A glass of wine or a drop of Scotch may help you to fall asleep, but that doesn’t mean you’ll sleep for long. Alcohol before bedtime is far more likely to wake you up in the middle of the night.
Have a nice long soak
Relaxing in a warm bath will raise your temperature and let your body know it’s time for bed.
Turn it off!
From that little red light on your TV to a middle of the night bleep from your mobile, electronic distractions can easily disturb your sleep. So make sure you turn them all off before you put the lights out.
Don’t eat a banquet before bedtime
Chowing down on a midnight takeaway is not a good idea if you want to sleep soundly, because a full stomach is more likely to keep you up. On the other hand don’t go to bed hungry or that could keep you awake too.
Skip the screen time close to sleep time
Whether you’re simply watching TV or buying stuff on the internet, staring at any kind of backlit screen just before bedtime can disrupt your sleep pattern. Why? Because the exposure to light stimulates your brain and creates a false alertness. So if you don’t want to get switched on before bedtime, switch ‘em off.
Be regular as clockwork
Keeping to a routine might sound a bit dull, but on the plus side it could definitely help you sleep. Our bodies like regular routine even if our brains don’t, so continually going to bed and waking up at the same time will help you sleep better in the long run.
