It's 2 AM. You're staring at the ceiling, willing yourself to go back to sleep. Sound familiar? Here's how to get more sleep.
Insomnia is a very common problem, with 1 in 3 adults in the US not getting enough sleep, according to the CDC. This has been a huge problem for me in the past as well, but I've pretty well got it solved. Here are some things that help me get a good night's sleep.
How To Get More Sleep: 10 Proven Strategies
1. Invest in a Comfortable Bed & Mattress
If you are not comfortable, how can you expect to sleep? We purchased this bed from Amazon a while back, which made a huge difference, especially for my wife, who could never get to sleep on our old one. Better yet, the squeaks from our old one are gone now, which is very nice. No need to even go to the store for this; we've ordered multiple beds from Amazon now and have been very pleased.
2. Go to Bed and Wake Up at a Consistent Time
Nearly every expert agrees that going to bed and waking up at a consistent time is one of the keys to getting more sleep. It's easier said than done, especially when you have kids as I do, but if you can get yourself into a routine of getting to bed at a certain time, your body will adapt to that. I've gotten to the point where I usually wake up shortly before my alarm goes off because I get up at at the same time each day. Consistent sleep times will allow your body's natural circadian rhythm to work best, leading to a better night's sleep.
3. Shut Down Electronics
Ahh, the old cell phone. It lures you in…Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, SnapChat, e-Mail, games. What's that notification? I should really check that… Oh crap, what time is it???
Shut those notifications down! Most modern phones have a do not disturb setting. With over 10,000 followers on Twitter alone, I get a ton of notifications, which used to keep me up. Now I've got mine set to go into do not disturb other than phone calls from 9 PM-6:45 AM so that it doesn't interrupt my sleep.
If nothing else, be sure to turn on the blue light filter on your phone as well several hours before bed, as that is known to interfere with sleep. My phone is set to filter blue light and dim the screen from 8:30 PM to 6:45 AM. Better yet, turn off and charge your phone outside of your room. I'm still working on that one…do what I say, not what I do!
4. Reduce Your Stress Levels
With five children and two businesses to run, I'm the first to admit that reducing stress is much easier said than done. Exercises such as meditation, yoga, and controlled breathing have been shown to reduce stress to get a better night's sleep. Journaling an hour or two before bed can also help reduce stress by getting issues down on paper and out of your head. Exercise can also help with your stress levels, which brings us to the next point.
5. Exercise
Controlled studies have repeatedly shown that regular moderate exercise can dramatically improve sleep patterns and alleviate mental health issues such as depression. Physical health is intimately tied to mental health, which is why some people who have gone through our healthy habits course say that it is “life-changing.”
6. Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Research suggests that people who drink more may fall asleep faster, but it interferes with important restorative sleep cycles. Long-term use of alcohol can also worsen sleep apnea problems and lead to many other issues, such as sleepwalking, sleep talking, and memory problems.
7. Reduce Spicy Food Intake
Spicy foods can increase problems with sleep apnea, increase body temperature, and cause heartburn, according to studies from Johns Hopkins. Avoid spicy foods for at least 3 hours before bedtime.
8. Reduce or Eliminate Caffeine Intake
Consuming caffeine within six hours of bedtime has been shown to reduce sleep duration by up to an hour, according to research. Reduce or eliminate it to get a better night's sleep. I've personally found that restricting my caffeine intake to before lunch only significantly improves the sleep I get and how I feel the next day.
9. Get Healthy
Eating healthy and maintaining a healthy weight has a significant positive impact on sleep, say researchers. Conversely, getting enough sleep but not too much can help you maintain your health, so both of these are intimately tied together. If you need a little help in this area, click here to sign up for coaching to get back to a healthier you and take back your night!
10. Read Before Bed
Personal development books like those recommended in our personal development book club can be a little challenging to read and can cause some people, myself included, to fall asleep a little quicker :). Kill two birds with one stone by learning some new things and getting a better night's sleep when you read before bed (with a physical book whenever possible or with blue light filtering turned on if you use an electronic device). Click here to sign up for a free recommendation each month.
Additional Resources For Getting More Sleep
- Clinical Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Insomnia in Adults
- Johns Hopkins: Sleep Better
- Why Sleep Is the No. 1 Most Important Thing for a Better Body
- CDC: Guidelines for Getting More Sleep
