Let’s face it, sleep is one of those things we probably talk more about than we realize. We talk about getting more of it, or the sheer lack of it. However, a good night’s sleep, while we are traveling, can have a huge positive impact on our lives. We can feel more energized, ready for the day, and rested. So how can you get more of it, especially in a strange environment?
It isn’t always about going to sleep earlier, because sometimes that might not even help. It is more to do with the quality of the sleep you get. So I thought I would share with you some of the top tips to help you get a better night’s sleep.
Image source – pixabay – cco license
Keep yourself hydrated
One of the first things you can do to have a better night’s sleep is to keep yourself hydrated. Not drinking enough water can mean that you suffer from headaches and feeling dehydrated which can keep us up at night. The amount we consume during the day can really be helpful to our bodies. However, try and avoid drinking too much water before bed as you may end up waking to visit the bathroom.
Think about where and how you sleep
The next thing to think about should be where and how you sleep. If you have a pillow that you can bring away with you then using that can help to make a strange bed feel more familiar. It might also be worth ensuring you regulate the room temperature. You should also think about other things you can try such as whether you should wear compression socks in bed, especially after a flight. The brand Dr. Motion has some great tips. Often the way you sleep on what you sleep on can make a big difference to the quality of sleep in which you get.
Don’t use the technology before bed
Screen time before bed is one of those things we have grown accustomed to. Many people will scroll through their smartphone whilst in bed before lights out and trying to get to sleep. But that additional screen time is actually very stimulating for the mind, which then means that it is harder to calm your mind down and sleep soundly. Avoid scrolling through ipads, phones and even avoid watching TV in bed if you can so that you can learn the behavior of going to be for sleep. It will help you fall asleep much faster.
Take regular exercise
Exercise is another useful way of getting a better night’s sleep. This is because you will tire your body out and so are more likely to enter into a relaxed state when you begin to slow down and unwind from the day. There are studies that support regular exercise being a solid way to feel tired and get a more restful night’s sleep.
Think about what you eat or drink before bed
Finally, avoid stimulants such as caffeine or alcohol before bed. Instead of helping you sleep, they can stimulate your mind causing you to feel more awake and alert.
Let’s hope that these tips help you to get a better night’s sleep.
