Let’s Talk SLEEP!
Today, I’m talking about my absolute favourite topic EVER, sleep! This word may be triggering for some because sleep right now may not be coming easily right now (hello new baby, or sleep anxiety), or it may be an area of expertise for others. Wherever you are on your sleep (or no sleep) journey, I promise I’m about to share some useful tips to help sleep become a word that brings you SO much joy!
1. Have a bedtime routine
Most of us have a reliable bedtime routine for our kids (bath, story, bed) but we often forget to do the same for ourselves. By having a consistent routine, you are sending a signal to your body to let it know that it’s time to go the heck to sleep. Your routine can include things like having a cup of herbal tea, reading, journaling, a gratitude practice or maybe even a meditation. Whatever your routine includes, be as consistent as possible and make sure it is made up of practices that help you wind down.
2. Schedule
I’ll keep this one short and sweet. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every. single. day. By having a consistent schedule, falling asleep at night and waking up in the morning will become much easier, you may even be able to ditch the alarm clock once your body gets used to your wake up time!
3. Cut caffeine
As an avid green tea drinker, I am NOT suggesting you eliminate caffeine entirely. That morning jolt is everything to me and it probably is for you, too! With that said, it can take up to 10 hours to completely clear caffeine from your body. So, I do find it helpful to stop my caffeine intake by noon, so much so that I notice a significant difference in how long it takes me to fall asleep at night if I don’t follow my own rules! Try it, you might be surprised to notice how that 3pm coffee is really affecting you.
4. Ditch the screens
This is not the first time you’re hearing this, I’m sure, and with good reason. Using screens before bed can make it harder to fall asleep. Some experts recommend that you ditch the screens at least one hour before bed. Blue light from televisions, tablets, computer screens and phones, suppresses melatonin levels, ultimately delaying sleepiness. Replace the screen with a book, podcast or guided meditation.
5. Make your sleep space a sanctuary
At the end of a long hard day (and let’s be serious, most days are just that), everyone needs a place to relax and recharge. Walk into your bedroom, how does it make you feel? Do you feel a sense of calm? Do you feel stressed because there are clothes laying all over the floor or toys taking up your bed (I’m talking about children’s toys, get your mind out of the gutter)? Is your bed unmade and the covers are in disarray? Creating a clutter free, organized and beautiful space for you to retreat to at the end of the day, can affect your sleep. When your head hits the pillow at night, you should feel a sense of calm and serenity around you. Keep your space as clutter-free as possible. Make your bed every single morning. This one habit alone can make a huge difference in how your room makes you feel. Dress your bed in linens that make you feel like you’re on vacation.
If you’re in the market for some new bedding, our Turkish Cotton Bedding is worth considering. It will transform your bed and help to create the oasis you deserve. Our new Sleep Pillow is the definition of comfort and won’t disappoint. Our Waffle Blanket adds the perfect amount of texture/colour to a room and will help your space transform into the space you deserve.
If you already have the perfect bedding, add some calming scents to your space and diffuse lavender or chamomile. Light a soy candle during your bedtime meditation or while reading and leave your worries in the hallway!
Sleep well, friends!
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