When I was younger, I slept so soundly that I'd actually get excited to go to bed because it was that enjoyable for me. Proper sleep is SO essential for a healthy lifestyle. Lack of sleep is all too common these days and can even lead to unhealthy food choices...
As I've gotten older, I have nights where I sleep like a baby....but there are also nights when insomnia strikes and I'm awake for hours. I've never suffered from the "falling asleep" part...that's easy for me. It's the "staying asleep" part that sometimes is a total drag.
I wanted to share 3 Tips that can help you sleep better tonight.
—-> Read to the end as I’ve edited to add a 4th BONUS TIP for 2020 - my newest FAVORITE way to ensure I get my beauty sleep!!
First, we should know by now that we need to "unplug" as bedtime approaches. We need to put down our smart phones and pick up a book instead. Why is this? The blue light that those electronic devices emits wreaks havoc on our sleep. It stops our bodies from naturally producing melatonin which helps with our sleep cycle.
So what if you aren't giving up your computer in the evenings? What if you're sneaking that peek at your social media later than you should? What if you're watching TV in the evening? Yes, I know this is a reality these days and not everyone is going to give all these things up even though they know they should. That leads me to...
My FIRST TIP for better sleep tonight:
1. Blue Blocker Glasses.
I've known about these for years, but it wasn't until recently when I couldn't sleep that I decided to give them a try. After learning more about how they work, I knew they'd be great for a blogger and social media influencer like me. Yep, it's tough for us to just put away our phones for hours on end. It's kinda our job and to be totally honest, you can miss sales and customers if you don't stay on top of things. Blue blockers used to be really ugly. Yes they served a purpose, but I wouldn't call them a fashion statement. LOL.
That's why when I saw someone had upped their game and made stylish Blue Blockers.... I had to try them. These are the ones my husband and I use. I have the tortoise shell and he has the black ones. We both wear the "regular size". (That's what I'm wearing in the top photo.)
Wearing these at least 90 minutes before bedtime leaves you free to watch TV and use devices without ruining your sleep. They block the harmful blue light and let in other safe light. Also, wearing them anytime when working on computers can help stop sore eyes and headaches. They come in teen and kids sizes too for those kids getting too much screen time! Also, help your husband, brother, etc look super cool AND sleep better this Father's Day!!
Oh, and a bonus is this same brand's Sleep Mask. I have to say, I've tried many sleep masks in all types and have never been happy with any....until I tried this one. It's the BEST. It's 100% silk, not too tight, oversized for complete black out, doesn't tangle in my hair, it's super comfortable and I sleep so much better since using this in conjunction with the glasses!
My SECOND TIP for better sleep tonight:
2. Golden Milk.
Golden Milk (or Turmeric Tea) has a long list of health benefits. The star spice Turmeric has been known as the "spice of life" as it's been used medicinally for centuries. When sipped before bedtime, it can help with relaxation and can help boost your immune system while you sleep. It's also great for digestion and helps fight inflammation.
Here's how it helps you sleep better:
Promotes deeper sleep
Supports more restorative sleep
Induces relaxation at the level needed for sleep
Supports anxiety that disturbs sleep
Improves numerous stress markers
Part of the magic is that it's mixed with healthy fats...I use full fat coconut milk which helps it taste absolutely creamy and delicious.
If you want to make your own, there is a wide array of recipes online, but I'm a huge fan of ease and I love this mix that I get on Amazon that I just whisk on the stove with coconut milk and it's done! Easy and super delicious! My husband even loves this too.
My THIRD TIP for better sleep tonight:
3. Natural Calm "Calmful Sleep"
I'd used Natural Calm Magnesium Supplement for years and love it, but when I saw that they had a version called Natural Calm "Calmful Sleep" I gave it a try...
It works with melatonin, which helps the body ease into restful sleep, calm-enhancing GABA (a non-protein amino acid), and Suntheanine (a patented premium form of the relaxing amino acid L-theanine). I just sip this berry flavored fizzy drink (can be made hot or cold) about 30 minutes before bed.
Note: I alternate between the two drinks, depending on what I'm in the mood for. I don't drink both on the same evening.
I'd love to hear your top tips for better sleep! I hope you give these a try and I'd love to hear if they help you too. Nighty night....
EDITED…. I’m adding a 2020 BONUS 4th TIP for you - this is my newest FAVORITE drink to get my Zzzz’s! My VEJO SLEEP BLEND….
Since I first wrote this blog post 3 years ago, menopause has hit pretty hard and staying asleep is harder and harder. Since adding my Vejo Sleep Blend to my nightly routine 1 hour before bed has WORKED. I fall asleep easily, stay asleep more often, and wake up feeling more rested than I used to. Plus the Tart Cherry frothy goodness is a bonus night-time treat in itself! You can learn more about my favorite blender HERE and get a FREE BOX OF SLEEP BLEND as a gift from me!! (My favorite flavor in the sleep blend is Tart Cherry.)