If you’re not getting sleep that is arguably the best of your life, on a nightly basis, you’re just not snoozin’ like you could, and should, be. Falling asleep, and staying asleep, can be much more difficult than it sounds. We all know that, no matter how much we want to get plenty of beauty rest, actually achieving it is often up in the air; let’s face it—sleep, like that one relative we all seem to have, is a temperamental subject. However, due to its notoriously unpredictable reputation, it’s easy to overlook the little things that may be causing us to not sleep in the first place. It’s time to get the healthy sleep your body’s been aching for by discovering why you may not be sleeping and what you can do about it.
- Say No to Fido: You know those irresistibly cute, furry friends that we love to cuddle on so, so much? It’s time to force them to actually put those pet beds to good use, instead of letting them take up all the space on what should be your sleep oasis. When Fido literally runs in place because of what’s going on in his doggie dreams and constantly readjusts his positioning for comfort, he’s stealing precious sleep from you by disruption. Just put the pet bed on the floor, right next to your bed. If you’re worrying about whether or not Fido will disown you for betrayal, it will be okay.
- Hear No Evil, See No Evil: In my house, sounds (noises really) travel upstairs, and bounce right off of my eardrums. Let’s just say I’ve been planning on investing in getting good sleep by purchasing some earplugs for a while now. Also, sunlight tends to peek through my curtains before I’m ready to wake up during summertime. If you’ve ever seen Matilda (who hasn’t?), I’d suggest buying a marvelous sleeping mask similar to the one that Matilda’s mother wears. Don’t let noise and intruding light rudely interrupt your well-deserved rest when there are simple fixes out there.
- To-Do Lists: Take it from me, an absolute worrywart: get organized. An easy way to prevent yourself from overthinking about all the things you have to accomplish is to keep a to-do list on the notes section of your phone. Quickly reviewing a neatly compiled list before bed, instead of trying to figure out that one thing you’re forgetting, allows your brain to relax a little. Who needs to stay up late stressing about stuff that lies ahead? Nobody, that’s who.
- Magnesium: A common culprit for insomnia is magnesium deficiency. Magnesium helps the brain “turn off” by producing a calming effect. To get a magnesium boost naturally, eat magnesium-rich foods, such as spinach, almonds, quinoa, brown rice, and black beans. Improved sleep is on its way, folks.
