The Oxford Economics and the National Center for Social Research for Sainsbury’s conducted a massive study on just how much sleep means to our daily lives.
Research conducted on over 8,000 people revealed that most people would rather achieve a good night’s sleep than receive a 50% salary increase.
You can’t work your way to a good night’s sleep, but with the right mattress and bedtime habits, you can sleep better.
Check our list of tips to achieve a restorative rest tonight for a better day tomorrow.
#7 – Write a To-do List
A recent study showed that writing a to-do list before bed can help you fall asleep faster.
By writing down all the tasks you need to complete tomorrow, you allow your brain to relax and unwind — leading to a stress-free snooze.
#6 – Drink Cherry Juice
Research shows that consuming tart cherry juice concentrate can offer a boost in melatonin — improving the quality and length of sleep in healthy men and women.
Cherries are also rich in procyanidins and anthocyanins, antioxidants that help spur sleep, as well as flavonoids — antioxidants with soothing anti-inflammatory qualities.
#5 – Take A Bath Before Bedtime
Our body temperature varies throughout the day according to our circadian rhythm. In the evening our temperature drops, signaling to our bodies that it’s time to go to bed.
A hot bath can kick-start this process thanks to the rapid rise and fall of our body temperature when we emerge from steaming-hot water.
For an extra-soothing tub, use two scoops of detoxifying Epsom salts and a essential oil of your choice.
The detoxifying effects of the salts mixed with the oil-based aromatherapy will have you snoozing in no time.
#4 – Visualize Yourself To Sleep
The ancient act of visualization can shift brain wave activity towards a deep and restful sleep.
Try either one of these tips the next time you have a hard time falling asleep.
- Sleep Tent: Close your eyes and imagine an energy barrier shaped like a tent covering you in comfort, peace, and safety. Inside this house you’ll find restful sleep. Notice the shape and details of the tent. Think of the canvas as a protective cover. Everything outside the tent can be dealt with tomorrow.
- Dial It Down: Just like you turn down off lights at night, imagine doing the same thing inside of your body. Dial down any extraneous sounds. Visualize the darkness with your eyes closed.
#3 – Add Essential Oil To Your Humidifier
The musky smell of sandalwood has been known to relieve insomnia.
Try adding it in essential oil form to your humidifier to create a soothing, spa-like experience at home.
#2 – Turn On A Neutralizing Salt Lamp
Positive and negative ions are always in the air.
Positive ions are sometimes produced by electronic devices and can exacerbate problems like allergies, stress and sleep disturbances.
Himalayan salt lamps can help by generating negative ions which counteract the positive ions and neutralize indoor air.
If you’re in the market for a Himalayan salt lamp make sure you’re getting the real thing.
Do your homework and choose the best option possible.
#1 – Eat Kiwi Fruit
Taiwanese researchers found that study participants who ate kiwi fruit reported an increase in their sleep quality and quantity.
Kiwi is not only high in antioxidants, but it is also rich in serotonin — the feel-good hormone which makes it a strong sleep-promoting food.
Try eating two kiwi fruit one hour before bed for four weeks and see if your quality of sleep improves.
