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We all know by now just how important sleep is for our health and overall well-being, but getting the recommended amount of sleep is usually easier said than done.
There are a number of factors that affect our quality of sleep. Stress, our work schedules, our sleeping environments, what we eat or drink, etc., are just a few of the things that can either positively or negatively affect our sleep.
That being said, it also comes down to how we prepare for sleep every night, and the habits we have that can either encourage better sleep, or compromise it instead.
If you’re looking to improve your sleeping habits, look no further than these 6 straightforward tips.
6 Things You Should Do Before Bed Every Night
1. Turn off all blue light emitting devices at least an hour before bedtime. Research continues to show that blue light can disrupt your brain’s sleep cycle. Strive to turn off all your blue light devices well before bedtime – at least an hour before you hit the sack.
2. Take a few minutes to tidy. Clear the clutter and clear your mind for the evening, as well as for the next morning when you wake up. Take a few minutes to tidy up your space and put things away.
3. Go over your next day’s agenda earlier in the evening. Well before bedtime, take a few minutes to go over tomorrow’s schedule, and be sure to highlight your most important tasks and to-do’s for tomorrow, as well.
4. Dim the lights. Prepare your brain for sleep by dimming the lights one to two hours before you go to bed.
5. Pick out your clothes for tomorrow. Make the morning a little less stressful and plan out your outfit for the next day. You’ll appreciate having one less thing to think about in the morning!
6. Diffuse or spritz lavender essential oil. Start diffusing lavender essential oil in your bedroom for at least an hour before you go to sleep, or spray your sheets with a lavender essential oil spray. Lavender has been shown to have calming properties that slow the heartbeat, relax the muscles, and even reduce stress.
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