10 Tips for a Better Night’s Sleep
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sleep Number. All opinions are 100% mine.
Earlier this week, I was driving home from the airport and drove right past my exit. The same exit I’ve taken countless times. Not only did I pass my exit, but it took me about ten minutes to realize my mistake. That’s when it hit me just how tired I was. As a wife and mother, I’ve realized that I NEED sleep to function. This May, I’ve decided to celebrate “Better Sleep Month” with a commitment to improve my sleeping habits. Want to join in on the fun? Check out how I’m committing to get a better night’s sleep.
10 Tips for a Better Night’s Sleep
1. Set a schedule – A routine sleep pattern is the first step to ensure a good night’s rest. Keeping a consistent bed/wake time, even on weekends, regulates our internal sleep clocks.
2. Don’t nap – Naps may be tempting after a restless sleep but they can also be the source of the problem.
3. Perform guided meditation – When racing thoughts keep me up at night, several free apps offer the perfect meditation walk through.
4. Use Curtains – Regular blinds just don’t make the cut for an east facing window and a morning Arizona sun. Curtains are a stylish way to for longer, darker sleep.
5. Eat a light dinner – Making lunch the big meal of the day ensures that the digestive system isn’t working overtime at night.
6. Drink water – A glass of water before bed is a refreshing way to both hydrate and relax.
7. Do Breathing exercises – Deep breathing is the easiest way to quiet minds after a long day. The best trick I’ve found to slow my heart rate and fall asleep quickly is breathing in for 4 seconds, holding for 6 and then breathing out for 7.
8. Use White noise – Living next to an air force base, train track, and chocolate lab certainly makes for some noisy nighttime interruptions. Fans and white noise machines block out these distractions for the entire family.
9. Put down the electronics – Our bodies interpret the blue light from electronics as sunlight so avoid the need to scroll through the feed before bed.
10. Sleep on a good mattress – Waking up with aches and pains? You’re mattress is most likely to blame. Thankfully, with Sleep Number’s SleepIQ®, you can be assured a peaceful night’s rest.
SleepIQ® technology allows you to track the quality of your sleep through Advanced DualAir™ technology. After your night’s sleep, you are able to view your restlessness, average heart rate, breathing rate, and sleep on your tablet or phone. The best part about it, all you have to do is sleep! Based on your sleep quality, SleepIQ® then provides tips for improving your night’s sleep. Talk about a helpful way to improve your sleep quality.
These are great tips. I’m always on the computer late (hence now) and then I have trouble falling asleep. I always sleep better at this time of year when we have the fan in the window.
My husband and I have been eyeballing that Sleep Number bed for a while now. I really need it. I have battled insomnia for most of my life. I have no idea what it is like to sleep through the night.
Sorry you’re not sleeping the best right now, Chrystal! Stop by next time you’re around your local store and we’ll see what we can do to help get you sleeping better. 🙂
We just bought a new mattress because my sleep was horrible. You’re right, being at home with my kids, I need good sleep. These are great tips. I’ve put some of them into practice.
My kids love their white noise fan! Definitely great tips here!
Can we add “Don’t Have Kids” to the sleep tips? I’m totally kidding! But limiting distractions is huge for me. I need to cut out technology and all of the day’s concerns to get a good night’s sleep.
Have you tried making the bedroom a tech-free zone, Crystal? Some of our owners have had great success leaving their devices in another room when they go to sleep.
I have been using a white noise machine for years. I will wake up to every little sound if i do not have it on. I have always wanted to get a sleep number bed.
Stop by anytime, Ann. We’d love to help find a bed that’s perfect for you! 🙂
Now and then I have trouble sleeping. Great tips.
These are great tips I could definitely use right now! I have been having such an awful time sleeping lately.
I definitely could use these tips! I’ve been having a rough time sleeping lately. I have no idea why my bed is super comfy!
Blinds alone don’t suffice if there’s light outside. Definitely use the curtains if you’re trying to sleep soundly.
A comfortable bed makes a huge difference. I got a sleep number a few years ago and when I’m not at home, I miss my bed!
These are really great tips for getting a better night’s sleep. It’s almost time to buy a new bed set. Thanks for the latest information on Sleep Number. I’ll stop the store in Reno and try it out.
We’ll look forward to seeing you, Ora! Let us know if we can answer any questions for you before you stop in at our Reno store. 🙂
I seriously need to get on a sleep schedule. I’m all over the place – 8 hours one night – 4 the next – 6 the next. I’m not consistent and that’s not fair to my body.
Have you tried setting an alarm for bedtime so you go to sleep at the same time each night, Debra? It could help you get the consistent sleep you’re looking for. 🙂
I tend to get a decent night’s rest for the most part but could still stand to drink more water and unplug earlier in the evening. I bet I could benefit from a white noise machine too.
I suck at sleeping.I have a routine, but I need to cut out a few more things. My husband bought me a Sleep Number bed when I had my back fused. It has been a blessing. I wish it had Sleep IQ.
With two very young kids in the house I need all the sleep tips I can get! Thanks for this list!
If my husband would stop snoring, I would be in much better shape! LOL. Great tips 🙂
I am a terrible sleeper. I don’t know what I would do without our sleep number bed. I love being able to adjust it on the off occasion I’m feeling sore.
So glad you’re enjoying your bed, Megan! Keep up the great sleep.
I’m a terrible sleeper. We have a sleep number bed and I love being able to adjust it to my needs on that off occasion I’m feeling sore.
Thanks so much for these great tips. There are some nights when I have a really terrible time falling asleep. I might try white noise.
My son always says he sleeps with white noise on ear buds each night. His neighbors are just too loud!
I would have put Use White Noise as #1. Our neighbors can get a bit noisy.
However, i understand everyone’s situation is different
I love to take naps!
Didn’t know they were bad… shocker