Do you often wake up tired or struggle to fall asleep at night? You are not alone. Below are my top tips for a great night’s sleep. Now I just need to start following my own advice …

Top tips for a great night’s sleep

 

1. Stick to a sleep schedule

This one can be tricky, but I find that when I stick to schedule and get at least 7 hours of sleep every night, I wake up feeling rested. If I get too little, or too much, I wake up cranky. When I stick to roughly the same bedtime and wake up time, even on the weekends, I fall asleep easier and wake up feeling refreshed. At least most of the time.

2. Get a comfortable bed, mattress and pillow

You can try every single trick in the book to get a good night’s sleep, but if you have a crappy mattress, chances are you’ll wake up feeling tired and moody. And like in my case, with back pain and stiffness. I would highly suggest on reading a few guides like the one you can read here. Getting a quality bed is the best decision you can make. We recently got a new bed and I am happy to report that both my husband and I sleep so much better. Genie Beds gifted us with a new queen size bed and we are so happy with it. It’s very difficult to decide on a new bed… how do you know that you are forking out thousands on the right one if you haven’t had a chance to test it out. Luckily Genie has a 100 day trial period. How awesome is that?

3. Invest in quality bedding

I’m going to be honest, I used to judge people who spent a lot on bedding. I thought it was a waste of money. Yet I still always commented on the amazing bedding and great snooze whenever we stayed in a hotel. Quality bedding makes a huge difference! And since I’ve invested, I can feel the difference. Buying quality linen that keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter,  is as important as purchasing a good mattress for one’s sleep. We spend a third of our lives sleeping so spending a little extra is well worth it.

4. Evaluate your sleep environment

Is your bedroom a place of serenity and peace or sensory overload? Perhaps it’s time to embrace your inner minimalist. Try to create a peaceful sanctuary that’s free from clutter, bright light and too much noise. And try to get rid of anything that reminds you of work and the never-ending to do list that awaits you then next day.

5. Pay attention to what you eat and drink

A big hearty meal always makes me feel sleepy, but it never helps me sleep well. At all. It actually makes me feel uncomfortable and cranky. It’s best to give your stomach at least three hours to digest food before bedtime. Also try to avoid caffeine and alcohol if you know that it affects your sleep negatively. But if that glass of red wine helps you unwind, I say go for it ;)

6. Try a relaxing bedtime routine

A relaxing, routine ritual right before bed can help you fall into a deep and peaceful sleep. Dim the lights, take a long warm bath or shower (soon Cape Town, soon…) and try to forget about the stresses of the day. Or at least set them aside for the moment.

7. Visualise yourself falling asleep

When you’re cosy and safe in bed, take a few deep breaths and visualize yourself drifting off. Don’t think about what tomorrow brings and only concentrate on the restful night you’re about to have. In today’s stressful world, I know it’s easier said than done. If it takes you longer than 20 minutes to drift off, rather get up, go into another room and do something relaxing until you feel tired. Don’t work or clean the house! Rather read a book or watch a little (relaxing) TV or have a cup of tea. Then try again.

8. Pets in bed – yay or nay?

Here we all have to agree to disagree. Pets can disrupt your sleep when they take over your bed or cause your allergies to act up.

In our house it’s quite the opposite. Our old girl has her cozy bed in our room. I sleep better knowing that she is comfy and safe. Then there’s our mama’s boy. He has to sleep next to me or he can’t sleep. And I’ve gotten so used to it, that I struggle to sleep when he doesn’t. He also makes a great little heater in winter. I also feel a lot safer when they are in our room. Those sharp little ears hear everything and protect us better than any alarm system could.

What do you think… is sleeping with an animal companion in the room a comfort or a disruption?

 

What are your top tips for a great night’s sleep? Please share them in the comments. I’d love to know!

xoxo