Do you miss a time when you could drift off to sleep within a minute of hitting the bed and remain in a state of blissful slumber through the night? You regret that now you are not sleeping well and when you wake up in the morning you do not feel refreshed. Go through this list of reasons which possibly could be stealing your sleep.
Are You Anxious?
If you’ve got a preoccupied mind stressing over irrational fears, sleeping easy is not your cup of tea. Meditation eases the minds of people who have trouble sleeping. You could also jot down the things you’re grateful for. Not only will this keep your worries away but also help you fall asleep easily.
It’s Caffeine
Caffeine might be your best friend, we know. But, for your sleep, it’s the worst foe. Bedtime coffee is a very bad idea. Did you know that the half-life of caffeine is nearly three to five hours (the figures may vary from research to research). This means that only half the dose is eliminated during that period, leaving the remaining to linger on in your body. That’s why even a late afternoon cup of coffee can disrupt your sleep later in the night. It is recommended to stay away from caffeine sources after lunchtime.
Is It Alcohol?
Indulge in a large amount of alcohol before sleep can make your sleep impaired. Alcohol interferes with your sleep pattern, especially the REM sleep that includes dreams. The result is fragmented, unrelaxing rest. Moreover, you’re likely to wake up to use the bathroom during the night, which is a big turn off as far as sleep quality is concerned. Therefore, limit alcohol consumption, especially in the evening.
Too Warm Or Too Bright
It is recommended to keep your bedroom at a moderate temperature of 65 to 72 degrees at night. Your body needs to slightly cool at night for a relaxing and refreshing sleep. However, a too-cold room will wake you up. The same goes for the brightness of light in your room. Even small amounts of light can give you less melatonin, which will make you feel alert even at bedtime.The darker the room, the easier it is for your brain to enter the sleep mode.
The Wrong Bedtime Snack?
If your usual bedtime snack is pizza or a big bag of chips, you’re obviously used to lying awake, gazing at the ceiling. Excessive fats or proteins right before bedtime disturbs your digestive system, making it difficult for you to sleep. However, hunger pangs can keep you awake equally. So, have some light snacks before hitting the bed. It could be a small bowl of whole-grain cereal and milk, or a piece of fruit spread with peanut butter.
Also read: Mental Health During Covid-19: How Well Are You Dealing With It?
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