7 Healthy ways to fall asleep

1. Give Your Gadgets A Rest

Most people think that browsing through their phones just before bed will help them  fall asleep easier. On the contrary, studies show that this may cause you to sleep less and have you tired in the morning. Other appliances that can cause this are television and any other electrical gadget.

2. Light Seeping into Your Room

Most people who live in urban areas with street lights that shine into their  room even when the lights are off suffer from sleeping disorders. Try wearing an eye mask, get black-out shades or blinds. Also switch off your computer before bed time. Everything you can to ensure that your room is pitch black.

3. Don’t sleep in on weekends

Often people think that the weekend is to be spent in bed trying to catch up on sleep. Instead they wake up on Monday morning even more tired. Instead, try creating and maintaining a sleep routine by sleeping 15min earlier every day till you find the right time for you to sleep. This will make it easier for you to wake up in the mornings and to fall asleep at night.

4.Your Beauty Routine

Taking a bath or showering before bed is relaxing and may cause you to sleep easier. This however doesn’t work for everyone. The problem may be with the kind of products you use after your bath. Strong scents from your toiletries  may have an energising effect and may keep you awake longer. Instead try using mild products such as lavender.

5. Keep Your Bedroom A Little Chilly

Sleeping in a room that’s slightly colder than the rest of the house may help you to sleep better. Lower temperatures may help reduce bad dreams too.

6. Irregular eating patterns

Your body relies on signals from your body such as when you have your meals. Avoid eating at irregular times. It confuses the body and makes it difficult for the mind to know when it’s time to turn in. The sooner you start and maintain a routine, the sooner your body will adapt and you will start sleeping easier. Also watch what you eat and avoid coffee anytime after 3pm.

7. Create A Relaxed Environment before bed

Try to relax before bed time. No, this does not include browsing the net. Put your phone aside and read a book or listen to soothing music instead.

Mbali Radebe