A way to relax and sleep – Top tips

22 Jun, 2021

A way to relax and sleep – Top tips

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Whether you’re a housesitter travelling, or at home in your own space, you need to sleep.  Rest is essential for all of us. But finding a constant way that you can relax and sleep wherever you are based is not always easy. Here are some top tips to help you find a consistent formula that works for you.

A Few Tips To help you relax and sleep

relax and sleep
It is so important to be able to rest properly at night if you can

Sleep is essential, sleep is necessary, sleep is wonderful! There’s nothing quite like the feeling of waking up after a long and restful sleep, setting you up for a productive day. We all need our sleep, but what happens if you struggle to fall asleep?

Believe it or not, 70% of North Americans say that they struggle to sleep at least once a week, and as many as 11% struggle every single night. If this problem affects so many people, you are certainly not alone on those nights tossing and turning, trying to fall asleep. There are some things you can do to help. So how can you get better sleep? Some of these ideas will be explained now…

The importance of sleep

Why is sleep so important? Well, it’s an essential part of your body’s healing mechanism for a start. Overnight, your brain uses less energy so that your body can release more growth hormone from the pituitary gland, allowing any injuries or niggles to heal. It also gives the heart and muscles time to rest and recharge.

There are multiple benefits for the brain, too. Proper sleep aids better concentration, attentiveness, and even emotional wellbeing. The brain processes everything you have experienced in your day, allowing you to wake up with a fresh mind, ready to tackle anything. In addition, you will have better dreams too.  Since sleep is so important, how can you get better sleep?

You’ll want good bedding

It almost goes without saying, but you will want great bedding if you want to relax and sleep properly. The bedding professionals over at www.resthousesleep.com explain that “We know from experience that getting your pillow right can greatly improve your sleep.” They’re right, as everyone knows that sleeping needs to be a comfortable and comforting experience. Old, tired pillows and mattresses will not help you sleep! 

Consider switching your old betting out if it’s starting to wear thin. A mattress should last 7-10 years, while pillows last up to three. When you do upgrade, consider organic, ethical fabrics as opposed to synthetic or cheap materials. Then, you’ll feel comfortable in bed while also knowing you’re resting easily on sustainable, ethical bedding. Win, win! 

Switch off

One of the big problems people have falling asleep is that their brains still feel awake due to the overuse of screens. Screens emit a blue light that is not natural. This blue light is great for attentiveness and reaction times, however, it also encourages the brain to stay alert.

This is a problem at bedtime, as you want to switch your mind off instead of wake it up. So, it is recommended that you stop using screens at least 30-60 minutes before bedtime. This gives your eyes time to relax and your mind time to wind down. Instead, chat with your partner or read a book in a lower light. 

relax and sleep
Turn off the tech in your life at night, it helps!

Stick to a routine

So many people struggle with sleep due to their lack of routine. If at all possible, you should try and make your alarm in the morning at the same time every day and your bedtime at the same time every night. Knowing there are no surprises can help you relax and sleep more regularly. It helps your body stick to a natural circadian rhythm, which is an important aspect of tiredness and wakefulness. Eating at the right time during this routine is essential, too. Try and eat within a 12-14 hour window, so that your body is done processing food a while before bedtime.

Try yoga

One way that people relax is to find a calm centring place in the home where they can do yoga. Depending on which type of yoga you choose, it can be very calming and relaxing to strike a yoga pose. Some poses require basic equipment like yoga blocks. However, many poses need little except a soft mat and the space to stretch and hold the post. Very relaxing.

Try meditation

Falling asleep is mostly down to the brain – once you’re comfortable that is! You need to be able to switch your mind off and relax, which is often easier said than done. One of the ways many people get hold of their mental state is through practices such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness. Working on one of these daily practices can help you get better control of your mind and therefore, switch off easier at night.

Exercising can help

Alongside mindfulness, you want your body to be tired, too. There is simply nothing better for creating a tired body at night than a bit of exercise during the day. Exercise floods your body with energy and hormones, all of which contribute to relaxation later in the evening. Get the blood flowing and the energy pumping during the day and your body will naturally let you know when it’s ready for some sleep later in the evening. Make exercise part of your routine, you’ll find the benefits come along very quickly.

Summary of top tips to help you relax and sleep

All of these tips combined will help you reach optimum sleep very quickly. Get comfortable, sort your bedding, and look after your body and mind. You’ll soon have more sleep and better energy during the day.

 

FURTHER READING FOR HOMEOWNERS & PETOWNERS

At Housesitmatch.com we like to offer useful and practical articles on topics for our readers. In this selection we offer you a number of suitable pieces from our own blog on renovating and decorating a home.

Top Tips – How to improve your sleep at night

Delight house guests with their room

Housesitters keep pets safe at home and save money

What a housesitter does – Top 10 responsibilities

 


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LamiaW

LamiaW

Founder and Director of HouseSitMatch - I'm a hands-on Admin on the site. Please ask any questions and as soon as I can I'll happily answer and assist where I can.

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