What To Do When You Are Experiencing Poor Sleep Quality
Sleep is an essential part of our well-being. When we don’t get enough sleep, our stress levels rise, leading to difficulty concentrating and negative moods. This can have a negative effect on all areas of your life. When you are struggling to achieve high-quality sleep at night, it can feel as though your entire world is falling apart.
However, there are many things that you can do when you experience poor sleep quality. Read on to discover some helpful tips for dealing with the struggle of suboptimal sleep.
Create a bedtime routine
One of the best ways to conquer poor sleep is to create a bedtime routine. This could be something as simple as reading a book til you fall asleep, or something a little more involved. The important thing is that you have a set of activities that you follow every time you go to bed. This will help get you into a relaxed state, making it easier for you to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. One word of caution: If you are struggling with insomnia, setting too many rules for yourself could make your situation worse. Instead, start by observing what is currently working for you, and then try to tweak your routine accordingly.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise has been shown to lower stress levels and regulate the production of certain hormones that affect our sleeping patterns. Because there is a direct correlation between exercise and improved sleep quality, it is worth including some exercise in your daily routine, even if you are already experiencing sleep issues.
Find the right mattress and pillow for you
While we often overlook the importance of our bedding, the quality of your mattress and pillow can have a huge impact on your sleep quality. The materials used in mattresses and pillows vary greatly, so it is likely that you will have to try out a few options before you find one that works for you. You may be surprised at how much of an impact this can have on your sleep. Poor quality sheets and/or a low-quality mattress protector can contribute to a lower quality of sleep, making it easier to fall victim to sleep disorders like sleep apnea.
Record your sleep and wake times
If you are struggling to determine the cause of your poor sleep quality, it could be worth keeping a sleep diary. A sleep diary is a way to track your sleep and wake times, as well as the quality of your sleep. This can help you identify patterns in your sleep, and show you where you need to make changes in your routine. Keeping a sleep diary can feel tedious at first, but it is an excellent way to track your progress and identify areas where you can make positive changes in your life.
Change up your diet
Your diet can have a massive impact on how well you sleep. You may find that cutting out caffeinated drinks or sugary snacks from your diet can help improve your sleep quality. If you aren’t sure where to start with your diet, it can be helpful to speak to a nutritionist to get some advice on healthy eating for better sleep. Although healthy eating alone will not solve your sleep issues, it can help you to achieve better sleep overall.
Use relaxation strategies
Try to learn relaxation strategies that can help you unwind when you get home from work. As we mentioned earlier, sleep is an essential part of our well-being. When we don’t get enough sleep, our stress levels rise, leading to difficulty concentrating and negative moods. In addition to improving your sleep, relaxation strategies can help you to manage your stress more effectively. Stress has a habit of creeping up on us, so regular relaxation strategies can prove very helpful in keeping this under control. These strategies can include things like meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises. The key is to find something that works for you, and then make it part of your daily routine.