Hot topic alert today!
It’s all about getting a GREAT NIGHT OF SLEEP. I’ve talked about it many times but only because this is such an underrated aspect of good health.
One of the top things that can get in the way of your weight loss and training results … is getting enough quality sleep. It can affect your appetite, mood, stress, performance, and recovery … among many other things!
In keeping with our “clean it up” approach to sleep, I want to talk about simple upgrades you can make to streamline your nighttime routine that can actually help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer!
Here are some science-backed tips from the National Institutes of Health:
- Keep your evening routine simple – go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Your body loves having a regular daily rhythm and routine!
- Don’t work out within 2-3 hours of bedtime. This can leave you feeling “revved up” and make it harder to fall asleep.
- Don’t eat close to bedtime, and steer clear of alcohol after dinner. Having a large meal within 2 hours of bedtime can interfere with your sleep. Alcohol might help you fall asleep, but you can get stuck in the “light sleep” phase all night.
- No afternoon/evening caffeine. Did you know it can take 8 hours for caffeine to clear your system?
- Check your meds & herbal home remedies. Some meds (especially for coughs, colds, and allergies) contain ingredients that stimulate your system.
- Take a hot bath or shower before bed. When your body temp drops afterward, it can help you feel sleepy.
- Stay away from blue light from TV, phone, or other devices within a couple of hours of bedtime. If you do use a device, install a blue light filter (tip: check your tablet/phone to see if there’s one already built-in).
- Spruce up your bedroom. Make sure it’s uncluttered and free from distractions – lights, noises, etc. – and that your bedding is comfortable. Sleeping in a clutter-free zone can make a surprisingly big difference.
- Make a to-do list for tomorrow. Write down anything you’re worried about forgetting overnight as a quick reminder, and place it far away from your nightstand (so you don’t have to think about it anymore).
Cleaning up your nighttime routine can go a LONG way toward improving your sleep…
But there are things you can do earlier in the day that can help, too. Two big items:
- Get some sunshine & fresh air during the day, if at all possible.
- Make sure to get in intentional movement (i.e., exercise) most days of the week!
Both of these can help you sleep more deeply.
When you get a good night of sleep, it can set you up for having a great day. Plus, it’s good for your overall recovery and wellness!
If you’re ready to take your health/fitness to the next level, check out our programs and services at https://adelefrizzell.com/programs-and-services/
P.S. And I just had to share some feedback from one of our Transformer Program client. “This program has changed my thoughts, behaviors and beliefs about food and so much more. I have learned that so much more goes into being healthy. Anyone can diet, but I have learned that in order to be healthy and keep the weight off, I needed to change my sleep habits, change my exercise beliefs, learn about macros and how they relate to my body, learn to really read and understand food labels and change all my made up rules about what I can, and cannot, eat. I am so thankful for this program.”
What do you think of these tips? Are you already doing some of them? Let us know what more you think works that help you get a good night’s sleep! Comment it below.
