Sleep

If there’s one thing you can do to improve your overall health it’s getting a good nights sleep right? Yes, it’s true, I know it is. There’s probably a million and one studies proving that fact and I have read bits of them through other means. What these studies don’t tell you is how to fall asleep after being awakened.

I have this problem. I equate it to being a mom, but who knows? If I get awakened between 2 AM and 5 AM, my sleep is toast. I may as well get up for the day and workout and get busy. This happened today. I went to bed at 10:30, but did not get to sleep until some time after 11 because my husband didn’t turn off his phone and come to bed until 11. Why is his screen so bright anyway? Lol. I forgot to put my watch in sleep mode, so about 3:35 AM I got a notice of some sort come through on my watch and have been awake ever since. Argh!

What is one to do when you can’t fall back asleep? Sometimes I find centered and intentional breathing helps, sometimes listening to a monotone voice, sometimes remembering I am loved and safe, and sometimes reading scriptures all help me go back to sleep. Unfortunately, days like today, I am awake and nothing is helping.

The best thing that I have done in regards to my sleep is to go to bed earlier and when I feel tired. That way, if I get awakened, at least I got some sleep. Other things I have done to improve my sleep that have helped are: blackout curtains, a white noise machine, not eating or drinking late, a good mattress, no screens an hour before bed, reading some of a calming book before bed, and getting up at the exact same time every day regardless of the night I had.

Sometimes, a restful night is not possible, like tonight for me, but don’t give up, because a good night’s rest is the absolute best thing we can do for our health. It helps the mind, body, and spirit. How do you help yourself get better sleep?