Ahhhh, sleep. The most necessary, yet hard to obtain, it’s the key to our overall well-being and success. Since we know how important sleep is to you and your family, we have a few tips to help you get the best sleep possible.
Though sleep is universal, there will be methods that may work for you, and not your kiddos, and vice versa. So, don’t be afraid to try them out and nail down which works best for each of you.
1. No phone zones
Most of us are guilty of using our phone or an electronic device before bed. Well, we are here to remind you that doing so is extremely detrimental to your sleep cycle. When we are glued to our phones or the TV before bed, we are not allowing ourselves to start relaxing and getting to a calmer state. We are still feeding our brains and ultimately that will keep us awake.
By putting our phones down to charge in another room, and stepping away from the television at least an hour before bed, we can help our bodies and brains reach sleep quicker, and once we fall asleep it can help to get deeper into a more restful sleep. Plus, by being the one to put the electronics away, you are setting an example for your family. You are showing them that devices are an unnecessary ingredient in their nighttime routine, and you are creating a habit that is setting them up for success.
2. Invest in a new mattress
One of the biggest factors in getting proper sleep to benefit your overall well-being is what you are sleeping on. If you are still trying to get valuable rest on that mattress you bought second hand in college, and you and your loved ones and pets are all squeezed onto a small mattress together, you need to make a major change. So, where do you start? What firmness do you want? What size mattress is going to fit your needs best? By referencing a mattress size guide, you can figure out what size mattress suits you and then figure out the firmness as well. Since a mattress is a hefty investment, you want to be sure that you are getting one that will work for you and your loved ones for years to come.
3. Prepare for the next day
Whether we realize it or not, we experience a lot of stress in the evenings, which can be caused by a few factors. But the main one is the unanswered questions of tomorrow. What will the day hold, will we face any mishaps, what will you wear, what meals will you eat? These, plus more, are all the questions that can keep us up at night. So, why not let our brains rest as best as possible and answer a few of those questions before getting into bed.
By hanging up everyone’s outfits, that is one less thing to think about before bed. Having a few things already done for you the night before can help you to sleep better, which can help you to wake up feeling less chaotic and more rested, relaxed, and ready to tackle the day.
4. Use a sound machine
One of the only electronics that should be allowed at bedtime is a sound machine. You may notice members of your family can’t relax in complete silence, making a sound machine a good alternative to leaving the TV on for background noise. Just be sure to get one with the right sounds to satisfy their needs. It can help to get their sleep and mental health back on track.
Now, get to bed and catch those well-needed zzz’s. You and your family will be glad you did.