It isn’t always easy to fit in enough bed time. A poll from the National Sleep Foundation found that sixty percent of women only manage a good night’s sleep a few days a week! Around half of all women polled feel like their lack of sleep is interfering with their daily activities. Here are some tips to help you squeeze more Zzz into your night.
- Prioritize. Yes, you’ve got tons of things to do… but how many of them can wait until tomorrow? An hour before bed, make a list of all the things you think you need to do tonight. Pick the most urgent one and do it; let the rest wait for another day.
- Stop feeling guilty! You need sleep to be able to function. If you guilt yourself into staying up, you’re going to be worse off in the long run.
- Keep your feet warm. A Swedish study found that warming your feet can help your body relax. I know I can’t get to sleep as quickly if my toes are cold. Keep a pair of socks under your pillow for easy access.
- The next time you’re on vacation, figure out your body’s sleep needs. Leave the alarm clock at home and let yourself go to bed when you’re tired and wake up when you’re done sleeping. After a few nights, you should find a point where you’re going to bed and getting up at the same time — and you’ll know how many hours of sleep you need to feel good.
- Deal with pain. Don’t tough it out — pain can keep you from sleeping. If over the counter pain medicines don’t help, talk to your doctor.
- Keep distractions out of the bedroom. Save your TV watching for the family room, and your work for the office.
- Outside noise keeping you awake? Try some white noise, like a fan or a noise machine.
- Don’t force yourself to choose between sleep and exercise. A lot of people skip sleep in order to fit in a workout. Be creative with your workout times, instead — like hop on the treadmill during your favorite prime time shows.
- Share the morning chores. The kids can help pack lunches. You and your spouse can take turns making breakfast or driving the kids to school. The extra sleep you get on your mornings off can make a world of difference.