The Importance of a Good Night's Sleep

Our lives can become so hectic that we feel like sleep is a luxury and not a necessity. As much as we try to skimp on sleep, we need it to recharge our brain. Sleep helps our brain to learn and make memories. Insufficient sleep can make us sloppy, forgetful, and cranky.

To help you get a full night’s rest, avoid naps, and set a sleep schedule. You cannot do one without the other. If you are trying to go to bed by 10 pm, but take a nap from 3 pm-5 pm, it will be very difficult to fall asleep. When it is difficult to fall asleep, we tend to keep checking the time. This can make the whole situation worse by giving us extra anxiety about the sleep we are already missing, in turn making it harder for us to fall asleep, so avoid looking at the clock.

Another very important aspect is your sleep environment. Sleeping while you are too hot or too cold can keep you awake. Also, things such as computers, TVs, or phones can just be distracting. Even if you are not used to it, try sleeping in a dark environment. Before bedtime, schedule about an hour of downtime to help you relax and prepare for sleep. During this time avoid electronics, food, and especially caffeine. Sometimes people like to drink tea before bed, not realizing it does have caffeine, which keeps them awake. Opt for a caffeine-free option instead.

After all that, if you find your mind racing at night with thoughts or anxiety for the day ahead, try writing down your thoughts. Staying awake staring at the ceiling will definitely not help you get your full 8 hours. You may find once your thoughts are expressed, your mind is at ease enough to fall asleep.

These are just a few tips. If you try these and you still find yourself lying awake at night, connect with a counselor who can give you more guidance on good sleep hygiene, or with working on the anxiety or stress that may be keeping you up.