Not Counting Enough Sheep? Sleep May Be Your Key to Happiness!

Whether it’s too many late nights at the office or kids keeping you up past your (and their) bed times, getting enough rest can be incredibly difficult. Unfortunately for night owls and insomniacs, getting enough rest is crucial to maintaining happiness. Getting enough sleep allows you to start each day with a clear, optimized mind. Having a well-rested brain also means increased productivity at work and a better attitude (which leads to, you guessed it, increased happiness!).

Here are some tips that I use to make sure I get plenty of sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.

1. Purchase blackout curtains for your bedroom, especially if you work at night and need to sleep while the sun is shining.
2. Most people sleep well when the room is cooler, so set your thermostat to around 70 degrees or use fans to help keep your body cool at night.
3. Especially in the summer, temperature adjusting sheets can be useful to keep you from tossing and turning (and sweating) all night long.
4. Whether you are in an apartment building or townhouse, soundproofing your bedroom is always a great idea. Whether or not you realize it, even small relatively quiet noises could be keeping you from fully resting at night.
5. Change your bed sheets every week to keep them feeling clean. Also, consider making your bed every day so that it feels fresh and comfortable every time you lie down.
6. In the age of constant technology, our minds have trouble turning off when it’s time to go to bed. Make a habit of turning off your phone or setting it to airplane mode if you use it for an alarm. Your ears and mind will thank you!
7. Avoid eating or drinking anything other than water for the hour and a half before bed so that you won’t need to get up and use the restroom the second you get comfortable.
8. Just like it’s important to be cooler in the summer, it’s important to be warmer in the winter. Wear flannel or long sleeved pajamas on cold nights to keep your body from being distractedly cold.
9. Set a schedule for your bedtime and stick to it.
10. Buy a comfortable mattress. Many people get sticker shock at the mattress store, but a comfortable king size mattress makes a huge difference when you are looking for more quality sleep.

Now that I’ve shared some of the ways that I get a good night of sleep, let me know—how are you sleeping? Do you have any tips or tricks for getting enough shut-eye?