After a long day of school and homework all I want to do is go to bed. All day I struggle to stay awake and am constantly yawning. Yet as soon as I get in my bed and cut off the lights, I am wide awake. It feels like my body is playing a cruel trick on me. So I have found a few things that help me fall asleep a little faster.
1. Read a book or magazine before you turn off the lights. DO NOT read an article on your phone or laptop, the bright screens will make it more difficult for your body to fall asleep.
2. Do not workout close to bedtime. Evening workouts can keep you up and make you hyper and mess up your chances of falling asleep when you want to.
3. Wear socks to bed. This one has helped me a ton! Warm feet and hands help predict the onset of rapid sleep.
4. Stay away from caffeine when it gets later in the day. Caffeine is in your system for about eight hours so you do not want to be drinking an iced coffee at 7 PM.
5. Don't over-nap! I know it is hard not to doze off when watching Netflix during the day, but set an alarm and take a nap for 25-30 minutes. You won't wake up groggy and more tired than you felt before you napped.
6. Take a hot, relaxing bath. It can also be a hot shower, but I prefer a soothing soak in the tub. Raising the temperature of your body increases the feelings of being sleepy.
7. Make your room pitch black. I can't even fall asleep if a light is on! It has been proven the light confuses your body into thinking it is still day time and you shouldn't be sleeping yet.
8. Relax your mind!! I can't stress this one enough. Think of calming and peaceful things, don't let your mind go to a negative place.
9. Try the 4-7-8 exercise. Seriously look it up, I'm not kidding this can really work if you do it correctly.
10. Don't look at your phone or clock when you are trying to fall asleep. When you keep on checking the time, you're putting unnecessary pressure on yourself and are just making a more stressful environment.
Next time you are having trouble falling asleep, try some of these tips to help you relax and get sleepy in no time.
