Tips to getting a better night sleep.

Getting a better night sleep can consist of a better routine before bed, exercise, nutrition, relaxation, and sleep positions.

Some routine ideas can include reading, listening to calming music, journaling, taking a nice bath, or drinking some sleep tea.

Nutrition can affect our night sleep. Drink less caffeine and eat less sugar. Don't eat right before bed, it turns the food into fat instead of using it as energy for our body. Instead, have a light snack or drink such as a glass of water and apple. 

Exercising can also put a big strain on our night sleep. The National Sleep Foundation states you shouldn’t exercise 3 hours prior to bed. This is because when we exercise we increase our body temperature and it energizes you. Your body temperature needs to be cool to fall asleep and relaxed not energized. This can differ person to person. If you are able to exercise an hour before and have no problems sleeping then go for it, this is only a suggestion.

Ever have nights that you lie wide awake with no hope of falling asleep? Try this easy trick, while you are laying in bed do some deep breathing, guided imagery, and progressive relaxation.  An example of this is inhaling for 4 seconds, holding it for 4 seconds, and exhaling for 4 seconds. Doing this 6 times through helps to relax and bring you into the sleeping state of mind. 

By: Lexi Koplin