Whether you are in your own home or travelling as a housesitter, it can be challenging to sleep at night. Here are some top tips that help you improve the change of getting a good night’s rest.

6 ways to get a better night’s sleep

We all know the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. It can be the difference between feeling positive or anxious about the day ahead. We all want to feel relaxed and comfortable when we get into bed instead of lying awake for hours.

While serious conditions of insomnia might require a trip to the GP, there are certain things you can do to try to get a better night’s sleep. Here are some recommendations.

Lighting

The lighting in your bedroom is important. If it’s too bright or garish, you could feel wide awake before you turn the lights off to settle down. It’s important to create a relaxing mood before sleeping. These LED lights for your bedroom can achieve a warm and cosy feel that will put you in the right mood before bedtime. Lanterns or salt rock lamps can also be effective.

Reduce screen time

It can be tempting to binge a show on Netflix before you go to sleep or scroll through social media. However, you’re better off reducing screen time before you go to bed. Screens can reduce the release of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin, which makes it more difficult to fall asleep. So, try turning everything off at least an hour before you go to bed.

Tidy your bedroom

It’s difficult to drift off in a bedroom full of mess and clutter. Being in an untidy bedroom can make you feel stressed – even if you aren’t aware of it. So, if you’ve had a few bad nights in a row, try giving your bedroom a thorough tidy. Hoover the floor, clear up your clothes and dust away the cobwebs. Changing your bedding will make your bed feel clean and crisp, too.

Meditation

For those who like to embrace spirituality, meditation can be a great way of getting to sleep. Often, we struggle to drift off because we experience invasive thoughts. We start worrying about the Monday meeting or think about something embarrassing that happened ten years ago. It’s infuriating. Meditation teaches the art of sleep hypnosis, closing your mind and reducing brain chatter. You need to let go of any thoughts that appear. So, meditating five minutes before bed could make a huge difference.

Exercise

Sometimes, we struggle to sleep because our bodies aren’t tired. This is often the case for those who drive to work and have desk jobs. Sure, your mind’s tired, but your body feels wide awake. If this sounds like you, try incorporating some exercise into your routine. A half an hour gym session could be the difference between a restful night and a cranky one.

Lavender oils

Many people believe in the power of a sleep inducing scent. Lavender oil is known to have these properties. Studies have found that it improves sleep quality and can help with relaxation. So, if you’re struggling to sleep, try dabbing a few drops onto your pillow, or investing in a lavender diffuser. The smell should soothe you right into a quality night’s sleep.

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.

A way to relax and sleep – Tips

Beat insomnia and sleep better

Managing sleep cycles when housesitting

Housesitters keep pets safe at home and save money

What a housesitter does – Top 10 responsibilities