Welcome to the land of Nod! Sleep is the cornerstone of good health and well-being. Yet, many of us struggle to get the restorative rest we need. Understanding the science of sleep can empower us to make changes that lead to better sleep quality and, a better quality of life. Ready to learn how to wake up refreshed and conquer your day? Let’s dive right into it.
Why we sleep
Before we get into some of the practical steps we can take to improve our nightly ZZZs, let’s first look at why we need to sleep… Think of your brain as a supercomputer (because that’s essentially what it is). It needs to shut down and reboot, just like a laptop. That’s what sleep is all about: Giving your noggin (and body) time to rest and restore itself.
Simple enough, right? Now let’s look at some of the tips and tricks out there to ensure a good night’s sleep:
- Prep your bedroom
The environment in which we sleep can greatly affect our ability to fall (and stay) asleep. So, transform your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary! Think of it as your own personal spa… Cool, dark, and oh-so-quiet. Invest in blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine to create a space that is conducive to sleep.
- Live it up to lie down
What you do during the day sets the stage for the night. So, try and limit your alcohol and caffeine intake throughout the day (as these can disrupt natural sleep patterns) and try and work in some exercise (as this actually promotes better sleep). Limiting your exposure to screens before bedtime is also beneficial, as the blue light emitted can interfere with melatonin, the hormone that tells your body it’s time to sleep.
- Establish a routine
As is the case with most things, consistency is key. So, make an effort to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Yep, even on weekends. If your sleep and wake times differ every single day, your brain could get confused and start releasing melatonin at random times… Which means you’ll have a harder time falling and staying asleep.
- Limit your naps
Hey, we get it… Sometimes you just need a little siesta to pull you through the day. There’s a trick to napping, though. Especially if you still want to ensure a good night’s rest: Keep it short. If you absolutely need to nap, stick to the 20 to 30 minute mark as this’ll help to boost your alertness and prevent you from entering deep sleep.
- Try and eliminate stress
High levels of stress can not only affect your ability to actually hit the hay, but also fragment your sleep. So, try and identify the areas of concern in your life, and consider how you can address these factors.
For instance, if you find yourself rolling around at night due to finance woes, try and find ways to cut down on your expenses. It can be as simple as opting for a cheaper insurance policy (click here or WhatsApp 0860 50 50 50 to get a quick, commitment-free quote), limiting the amount of takeaways you get, or working out a daily budget.
There you have it! Some quick and simple ways to ensure a better night’s rest. For more interesting blogs on sleep, roadtrips, insurance, and so much more, click here.
Psst… This blog provides general info only, and doesn’t count as financial or product advice from King Price or our legal and compliance experts. Remember, all our premiums are risk-profile-dependent, and T’s and C’s apply. Our most up-to-date KPPD (policy wording) can always be found here.
