Almost a third of Britons have sleep problems. Most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night. Some individuals can thrive on fewer hours; however, they are a rare percentage of the population. According to the Sleep Council, three-quarter of the population gets less than 7 hours of sleep per night. Unfortunately, a strong cup of coffee in the morning doesn’t eliminate sleep deprivation. Almost a quarter of British people feel bad sleep influences their work performance, while a third report alarming health concerns. So, the question you need to ask yourself is: Why don’t I feel rested in the morning?
A cluttered room, a cluttered mind
Bedrooms tend to get messy and cluttered rapidly. In a corner, the laundry pile accumulates. On the bedside table, a modern art sculpture has evolved on its own, including books, packs of tissues, and digital technology you keep at arm’s reach when you sleep. Against the chest of drawers, your yoga mat and dumbbells await your next workout. You might tell yourself that it’s only the bedroom and that it doesn’t matter because nobody sees it but you. However, a cluttered bedroom can lead to stress and discomfort. According to the Feng Shui philosophy, rooms need to leverage energy forces to harmonise people with their surroundings. Without Feng Shui bedroom tips, your sleeping space is disharmonious. Creating a purposeful environment where the bed occupies the central location helps establish a calming and serene bedroom.
Binge-watching TV is not a good idea
It’s the end of a long day. You’ve deserved a break, and that’s precisely why you’re binge-watching your favourite TV show on Netflix. It’s essential to make time for laziness around the day without feeling guilty about it. However, excessive screen exposure will cost your precious sleep hours. Indeed, the more you binge-watch, the more likely you are to develop fatigue and insomnia. Indeed, the more you get involved in a show, the longer you need to cool down before going to sleep.
Wait, did you say comfort food?
Everybody loves a treat. However, the food you eat can affect your sleep quality. We all know that it’s best to avoid heavy meals before bed. Fried food and spice foods can stop you from having a restful sleep. On the other hand, foods that contain amino acid tryptophan can help to fall asleep. Tryptophan is present in turkey, chicken, eggs, fish, and nuts. Additionally, combining tryptophan with a small amount of carbs can also speed up the phenomenon.
Ultimately, it’s not you, it’s the pandemic stress
Last but not least, Britons have reported decreased sleep quality since the start of the pandemic. Unfortunately, the coronavirus is causing high stress and anxiety. You are more likely to rummage through your thoughts before sleep, which can impact your sleep. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to ignore the pandemic. But you can create mindful habits that help you to disconnect from day-to-day stress and be fully engaged with what you are doing at the time. There are also many natural supplements to help aid sleep and reduce anxiety that could become part of your routine. For example, there are lots of studies on how kava works for anxiety so, if this is something you are interested in, you may wish to do some research and see if it could be an option for you.
In short, there’s no miracle solution to sleep problems. We all have created a routine that makes us feel comfortable at home. Therefore, the key to waking up feeling rested in the morning begins with your bedtime routine. Have you identified elements that could be improved? Take the time to introduce positive alternatives, such as reducing binge-watching in the evening, and arranging your dinner to induce better sleep.
*This is collaborative post.