Alaska Sleep Education Center

Improve Your Sleep Schedule with These 7 Sleeps

Sleep is one of the most essential ingredients for overall wellness and quality of life. Getting optimal sleep every night can seem impossible in our fast-paced and overstimulating modern world. With many distractions constantly vying for our attention through phones, TVs, and computers, unwinding the mind and body to succumb to a deep, restful slumber may be challenging. However, establishing positive sleep habits does not need to be a daunting task. By making small, sustainable changes aimed at setting ourselves up for success each night, we can create an environment more conducive to sleep and start to improve our sleep schedules. This post outlines seven practical and effective things you can add to your list each day that will support better quality sleep and help you wake up feeling refreshed and energized.

Here’s How To Improve Your Sleep Schedule

Invest in a comfortable and supportive mattress

Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for our physical and mental health. One way to improve your sleep schedule is to invest in a high-quality mattress that creates a comfortable and supportive sleeping environment. The right mattress will support your body, maintaining proper spinal alignment and reducing any discomfort or pain you may experience during the night.

In addition, a comfortable mattress can help to regulate your body temperature, promoting deeper sleep and leaving you feeling refreshed in the morning. Investing in a good mattress is a wise decision, as it can improve your overall sleep quality and promote better health and well-being.

Create a bedtime routine with calming activities

Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for both mental and physical well-being. Creating a consistent bedtime routine can significantly improve the quality of your sleep. A bedtime routine entails engaging in activities that are calming and relaxing before going to bed. Such activities include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to soft music.

This routine sets the tone for your body and signals it is time to wind down. Incorporating these calming activities into your bedtime routine can help you relax your mind and body and prepare yourself for a good night’s sleep. Consistency is vital when implementing a successful bedtime routine, so stick to your routine every night and watch yourself slip smoothly into dreamland.

Keep your bedroom cool and dark

Creating a comfortable sleeping environment can be a simple yet effective way to improve your sleep schedule. Avoid distractions and minimize the light in your room by shutting off electronics and investing in blackout curtains.

A cool temperature is ideal for a good night’s sleep, so adjust your thermostat to a comfortable level. Keeping your bedroom cool and dark can help your body naturally fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

Avoid electronic devices for at least an hour before bed

To achieve a better quality of sleep, it is crucial to adjust your nighttime routine. One of the most effective ways to improve your sleep schedule is to avoid electronic devices before bed. The blue light emitted by electronics such as phones, tablets, and TV screens can interfere with your body’s natural production of melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Unplugging from these devices for at least an hour before bedtime gives your brain a chance to wind down and ease into a restful state. Try reading a book, taking a warm bath, or listening to calming music to help you relax before lights out. Your body will thank you for the extra attention to your sleep hygiene.

Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends

Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can ensure you get the most out of your sleep. Our bodies are creatures of habit; thus, following a consistent sleep schedule trains our bodies to know when it’s time to sleep and when it’s time to be awake.

While it might be tempting to alter your sleep schedule on weekends to fit in social activities or binge-watch your favorite shows, it can significantly disrupt your sleep cycle, leading to grogginess, irritability, and fatigue. Therefore, it’s essential to stick to consistent sleep patterns even on weekends to help your body and mind stay in sync and get the rest it deserves.

Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for optimal health and overall well-being. There are many ways to improve your sleep schedule, but one simple yet effective method is to limit caffeine and alcohol consumption.

Caffeine is a stimulant that can interfere with falling asleep and staying asleep. At the same time, alcohol may cause you to fall asleep faster but increases the likelihood of waking up during the night.

Limiting your consumption of these substances, you may fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more rested. For those who may need extra relaxation, some have found success in incorporating Full Spectrum CBD into their bedtime routine, but it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional beforehand.

Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine

Regular physical activity can profoundly impact your overall health and well-being. Countless studies have shown that incorporating movement into your daily routine can improve your sleep schedule. Whether you prefer a brisk walk, a yoga session, or a basketball game, physical activity can help regulate your body’s internal clock, leading to more restorative sleep.

By burning energy during the day, your body will naturally feel more tired at night, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Making time for physical activity throughout the day can also reduce stress levels and improve mood, setting the stage for a restful night’s sleep. So, if you’re struggling to get enough shuteye, consider adding some movement to your daily routine and see how it positively impacts your sleep.

Wrapping Up

In today’s fast-paced and hectic world, getting a good night’s sleep seems unattainable for many of us. We often sacrifice our rest for work, technology, and other obligations, unaware of the negative impact this can have on our overall health. But fear not; there are ways to improve your sleep schedule and regain control of your well-being! From creating a bedtime routine to limiting caffeine intake in the afternoons, we’ve covered 7 essential steps that can significantly affect your sleep quality. Incorporating these small changes into your daily routine can significantly impact how you feel and function during the day. Don’t wait any longer – put these tips into action to reap the benefits of a well-rested mind and body tomorrow.

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Alaska Sleep Clinic's Blog

Our weekly updated blog aims to provide you with answers and information to all of your sleeping questions.

Brent Fisher, MBA, FACHE, FACMPE
President and Chief Executive Officer

“Alaska Sleep Clinic has a history of providing the most comprehensive sleep medicine services in the state of Alaska. Its potential has only begun. I am here to take these high-quality, comprehensive services to all Alaskans.”

Experience

Brent Fisher has held leadership positions spanning a wide variety of complex and start-up organizations: manufacturing (pharmaceutical & medical device), software development, hospitals (academic and community), medical groups, consulting, hospice, military, engineered devices, engineered plastics, and private equity.

Publications and Organizations

His writings have been published in various magazines, trade journals, and medical journals, including the Physician Executive Journal, Healthcare Executive, Modern Healthcare, Group Practice Journal, New England Journal of Medicine, and Journal of Healthcare Management (Best Article Award).

He has served on the Board of Directors of professional associations, civic organizations, and businesses.

Hobbies and Activities

Brent enjoys being with his family, serving in the community, hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.