Most people don’t realize how critical sleep is to the proper functioning of the human body. Sleep affects us deeply, from healing to hormone balance to weight loss. It is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle, yet most of us don’t get enough of it, or know how to optimize it. Therefore, below are the Top 10 things you can do to maximize your sleep each night
- Go to bed at 10pm (it has been shown that sleeping 8 hours from 10pm to 6am is more valuable than that between Midnight and 8am)
- Cut screen time an hour before bed (yes…one hour)
- Darken the room (as close as you and your blackout blinds can get it to pitch black, the better)
- Remove all electronics from the bedroom (even the TV)
- Turn off WiFi at night (EMFs- electromagnetic fields- are known sleep disruptors)
- Stop eating and drinking (aside from water or herbal tea) 2 hours before bedtime
- Cut caffeine intake by 3pm latest (earlier if you’re more sensitive)
- Read a book before bed (if it can’t be an “old fashioned book” make sure it’s a Paperwhite Kindle- or similar device- set on airplane mode)
- Meditate or do yoga at night (even 2 minutes can be helpful)
- Exercise – and ideally break a sweat – during the day (but not before bed)