Sleep is an important factor for our overall health and productivity. Most people know this, but still don’t get enough sleep. On average, a person needs 6-8 hours of sleep each night to be healthy. In times of stress, it can be hard for people to get the right amount of sleep or sleep soundly. Here are some ways to make sure you’re getting enough sleep while stressed:
Manage Your Stress
If you are constantly in a state of stress, you will experience a lot of negative health effects, including poor sleep. There are a lot of different ways to manage your stress. You can try meditation or journaling to focus your mind. Additionally, exercising frequently can help to relieve stress as well as make you tired enough to sleep properly.
Reduce Stimulants
Caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and screens all stimulate our brains and prevent a normal sleep cycle. Though many people use these stimulants to get them through their workday, keeping away from them well before you go to bed will help you sleep better. Try not to use caffeine or nicotine in the afternoon and don’t drink alcohol or use screens an hour before you plan to go to bed.
Create a Routine
Having a consistent routine before bed can program your brain to get ready for sleep when you go through that routine. Set up a standard sequence of events that happens every night before you go to bed. Stick to this routine to make it easier for you to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Create a Good Sleep Environment
The quality of your sleep has a lot to do with where you are sleeping. Your bedroom should be dark, cool, and relatively quiet for when you sleep. You may not be able to fulfill all of these requirements, but try your best to make your bedroom a comfortable place for you to sleep.
Use this advice and share it with others to improve sleep quality and productivity in times of stress.