Sleep is important for your health, well-being, your alertness and many other things. Not getting a good night sleep can impact your performance during the day. Chronic lack of sleep can cause many health issues, including weight-gain. It can also lead to depression. In other words, you need to get the proper amount of sleep to feel at your optimum.
Making sure you get sufficient rest can help you feel more energized. You get more done which boosts your self-confidence and in turn your overall happiness. It’s truly important to get your “beauty rest.” In my opinion, it should be called your health rest.
Getting Enough Sleep Is One of The Keys To Happiness
I’m sure you’ve seen this in your life. When you don’t sleep well, or don’t get a chance to get enough rest, you end up feeling grumpy and possibly agitated. Your stress level may go way up, which in turn makes you feel worse. You don’t get your to-do list or work done, you may start to feel depressed and that in turn leads to more sleepless nights. It can sometimes turn into a vicious cycle.
If you can break that cycle and make sleep a priority, everything can change towards the better. You’ll wake up in a much better mood and ready to tackle your day. It becomes much easier to get everything done and still have time to relax and unwind. That in turn leads to a better night sleep, as discussed in our article 11 Tips to Help You Sleep Better.
The question then is how can you attain this state of a blissful sleep and a solid 8 hours of rest at night? You do it by making sleep a priority. There will be certain times when getting a good night’s sleep may not be a possibility, but for the majority of the time, you can work on, and achieve, a reasonable bedtime routine.
Routine is the keyword here. Good sleep is a habit and a learned behavior. It takes a little work on your part to change your habits and establish a good sleep and bedtime routine, but it will be well worth the effort. It works for me and I know it can work for you.
Start by setting a regular bed time and do your best to stick to it – even on the weekend and holidays. Our bodies get in a consistent rhythm of waking and resting hours. Help your body get there by staying on a regular schedule. There are also things you can do to help you fall asleep easier. Spend some time in the hours before bedtime to relax and calm down. Stop working on your agenda, don’t exercise too late in the day, avoid caffeine a few hours before bed, and turn off any screens at least an hour before you’re ready to fall asleep. Turning down the lights, playing soft music, and reading an old-fashioned paper book are all great ways to relax and prepare both body and mind for sleep. We go through more tips to helping you here ~ ~ 11 Tips to Help You Sleep Better.
If you’re still having a hard time going to sleep after implementing a routine, consider supplementing with magnesium and /or melatonin. A lack of either one of those substances in your body can make it much harder to fall and stay asleep. We always advise speaking with your Doctor before adding any supplementation.
Stick with your routine and you will get into a habit of getting plenty of sleep. This in turn will lead to happier, more energetic and more productive days.
Are you part of our Happiness Movement Yet? If not, come and join our 30 Days to Happiness and help us spread more Happiness~!