What we do No matter what it is that is keeping you awake, it is keeping you from recharging your brain, which as we have learnt needs to happen to be able to maintain a healthy brain and overall health.
Sleep is a key component to maintaining a healthy and active brain. But sometimes you cannot fall asleep. A various number of things could attribute to this: stresses from the day perhaps, a work task not yet completed, an argument with a partner or child, or just overthinking things that happened years ago. No matter what it is that is keeping you awake, it is keeping you from recharging your brain, which as we have learnt needs to happen to be able to maintain a healthy brain and overall health.
The tips that we have given you so far, such as a healthy diet[1] and regular physical activity[2], have positive effects on sleep. To help you sleep better this week, we’ve decided to compile a list of things you can do before bed that can help you get a better night’s sleep, besides counting sheep.
Meditation
Meditation has been known to help many people reduce stress and calm themselves from the day. If you’re always on the go, running from the time you wake up to the time your head hits the pillow then this may be helpful. There are some great apps that can help you achieve a calm mindset.
White Noise
If you’re like me and can’t have anything too stimulating before bed, a white noise machine or something resembling a dryer on low tumble is going to be perfect for you. Nothing too stimulating, and something to whisk you away to a dreamscape. You could combine this with the suggestion of decreasing the room temperature by having a fan or air conditioner going. There are many simple sounds that can soothe you to sleep and some are available as free apps.
Soothing Night-time stories
No wonder children fall right asleep when parents or guardians read to them. Having someone read to you can be a soothing and calming experience. If you are stuck by yourself during lockdown or your partner is not up to reading you a bedtime story, check out these apps that have celebrities and people with very calming voices read books to you. There are even some for kids!
Journaling
Do you feel amped up during the night, reviewing your day? Sometimes all you need to do is get rid of those feelings and all that built up energy. Journaling can be very relaxing and soothing for the soul and mind. You can either journal the old fashion way and write in a book every night, or use a digital version of a journal called: Reflectly.
Watching a low-key TV show
Just like the soothing voices of celebrities reading you a bedtime story, the same can be said about a soothing voice narrating a TV show. Although some TV shows and the blue light from TV can be a stimulus, sometimes the soothing voice of a documentary or something completely boring will put you fast asleep. Try some of these TV show’s!
- Chill with Bob Ross
- Planet Earth
- Chef’s Table
- Jeopardy!
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