Achieving restful and uninterrupted sleep can be challenging. It becomes harder as you grow older, and dogs and other humans compound the problem.
I did a bit of research because I’m losing my battle with sleep.
I found there are 5 strategies that experts say will help:
- Create a relaxing sleep environment. Invest in a comfortable mattress, pillows, light blocking curtains and a white noise machine.
- Establish a consistent sleep schedule. Avoid napping during the day and go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
- Manage stress and practice relaxation techniques. Limit screen exposure and do some gentle stretching or yoga.
- Limit stimulants and heavy meals before bed. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and heavy meals in the hours leading up to bedtime.
- Monitor your sleep environment. Identify and address any environmental factors that disrupt your sleep and use a sleep-tracking device to identify trends and patterns.
- BONUS: Seek professional help if needed.
How many checkmarks do you have in the list of 5?
How would you rate your sleep? Which of the 5 strategies do you struggle with most?
I asked myself those questions too. I can check off #1, #3, #4, and #5 — but #2? There’s my downfall. It’s next to impossible to establish a consistent sleep schedule when routines are disrupted. My dogs want the same routine no matter that mine is all messed up… meaning there’s no sleeping in. In the coming days, I’m going to do my best to figure out a solution.
Sleep is so very important to mental and physical health. Here’s hoping if you’re struggling to get enough sleep the expert’s strategies help. ❤️
Now you know: Animals lacking teeth to grind their food (birds and fish for example) have a specialized stomach containing rocks to replace that function.