Nourish Your Sleep in 3 Simple Steps
- Shut off “screens”. 60-90 minutes before bed, get of your computer, smart phone, or tablet and dim the lights. Excess tv/computer time stimulates neurons, which can lead to racing or anxious thoughts. The bright lights emitted from screens can also delay melatonin release, an important hormone involved in your sleep cycle. Instead, choose to dim your lights, have a warm bath, practice deep breathing, or light a candle. These are all gentle activities that help prepare your body and mind for sound sleep.
- Make your bedroom your sanctuary. Your bedroom should be be a sanctuary where you feel calm and safe. Clutter, computers, TVs, bills, and so forth can create a sense of stress in the bedroom. Make your bedroom into a relaxing environment and keep it a place for only sleep, sex, and rest!
- Choose the right bedtime snack. Ideally, avoid having a large meal a few hours before bedtime as this can disrupt your sleep. A calming herbal tea like chamomile or lemon balm are great caffeine-free ways to help calm the nervous system and benefit your sleep! A small snack of a protein -rich food such as a small serving of peanut or almond butter can be a great way to keep your blood sugar stable as you sleep (which helps you stay sound asleep).