Are You Really Getting Enough Sleep?

I guess you have already heard that the average human being needs from 7 to 9 hours of sleep. Sometimes, part of you wonders how people can get that much sleep with so much going on in today's world, while the other part of you wishes you would do something so you could get that much sleep every night as well.

Taking a closer look, the actual number of hours of sleep needed every night varies from person to person. Meaning that you may not need as much sleep as I do and vice versa.

There is nothing better than getting up in the morning after a great night rest. Your body is fully awake, your attention is 100% active. You feel really alive.

But how can you get a great night rest, how can you even fall asleep with all your problems and issues coming back to your mind as soon as you put your head on the pillow?

Here, I am going to share with you what works for me to be able to get a good night rest, that may not apply to you, but it is worth a try.

Prioritize

Put your sleep first. I know kids get sick, last minute proposal closures can happen, but other than that, try to prioritize your sleep as much as you can. If you can't stop thinking about something or wake up in the middle of the night thinking about it, have a notepad and pencil by the bed and right it down, that way you can concentrate on your sleeping, not on the problems you have to face the next day.

Have a routine

Set a realistic time to go to bed every night, and actually go to bed that same time every single night, yes weekends and holidays included. Set also a time to get up every day, set an alarm if you can't wake up by yourself. Your body will get so used to it that you won't even have to think about it after a few weeks. Try to go to bed early and rise early also, so you can have a long and productive day.

Take a nap

It is ok to take a 10 to 20 minute nap during the day to keep your energy level up. However, if you take a 4 hour nap in the middle of the afternoon you are asking to be up all night watching TV.

Set the temperature

Some people like to sleep at 65F, some at 75F, find your ideal temperature. Pay attention what is the thermostat set to when you have a good night rest, try to se this same temperature for the next few days and see how you feel in the morning. You have to find your ideal temperature, too hot you roll over all night, too cold you brrrrrr all night.

Things to avoid

"Hard to put down" novels that you like to read before bed can keep you up all night. Try something light that can help you fall asleep.

Computer, ohhh yes, the computer. That last e-mail I have to send. I will just take one last look on my twitter account. Gosh I forgot to update my Facebook account… jut 10 more min. It just doesn't work. That applies to Mobile phones also.

Bad pillow. Your pillow is too high, too low, too hard… too soft. Find a pillow the fits your needs and comfort, there are some great pillows on the market.

Get comfy

30 to 45 minutes before going to bed, take your time to cool off, chill out and relax. Get your bedtime essentials, tea, warm milk and dim the lights. You can listen to peaceful music or just be quiet for a few minutes.

I hope these tips help you somehow. They work great for me, they might work for you. Do whatever floats your boat and have a great night rest.

You know a great way to fall asleep and have a great night rest? Please leave a comment and share it with us.

Best wishes to all...

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