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There is nothing better than a good night’s sleep and waking up the next morning feeling relaxed and rested. Conversely, waking up constantly during the night will leave you feeling tired in the day ahead. How well you sleep at night depends on a number of key factors. If you are waking up every morning with bags under your eyes, it’s time you do something about it. You need your sleep for optimum physical and mental health, so consider the following pieces of advice.
Check your bed
A lot of people toss and turn during the night because they can’t get comfy. They may also wake up with aches and pains in the back and neck. The reason behind this is probably due to the bed itself. If the mattress is old and lumpy, your body will suffer when you lie on it. You want to sink into your bed and not get attacked by loose springs. A mattress from Puffy comes with deep sleep technology, so consider making a new purchase. You may want to buy new fluffy pillows as well, replacing the ones you currently use which may have become flat and worn.
Change your sleeping pattern
You need to have a routine in your sleeping pattern to aid your internal body clock. Staying up late into the night and getting up in the early hours of the morning will not give your body time to rest. You don’t want to oversleep either, so don’t be tempted to sleep into the afternoon on your days off from work. Your body clock will be disrupted, and you will feel worse as a result. It is recommended we get 7-8 hours sleep a night, so accommodate that into your lifestyle.
Avoid napping
We often nap during the day because of inactivity. If you begin to feel tired, don’t slump into your seat and drift off to sleep. Instead, get up and focus your mind on something. We are liable to nap after a heavy meal, so always take part in exercise after you have eaten. Your food will digest easier when you move around, so go for a walk or do the household chores. The less sleep you have during the day will make you more tired at night when you need to get your head down.
Live healthier
Eating the wrong foods, such as those high in fat or sugar, and having little time for exercise will make you feel lethargic. It is important you eat healthy foods, such as fruit and vegetables, and exercise more, as your body will feel energized throughout the day. A healthy lifestyle reduces your chances of napping and helps your peace of mind, alleviating worry and depressive thoughts that can keep you awake at night.
Change your bedtime habits
You should avoid looking at bright screens, such as your tv or smartphone before going to bed, as too much light can suppress the melatonin which affects your sleep cycle. Instead, read a book or listen to music, activities that can relax you and help you fall into a deeper sleep.
