What Makes Sleep Better? 5 Suggestions

Lately I have been trying different ways to relax and unwind. I especially wanted to increase the amount of sleep I got. For me, I often have to do work until later in the evening and find it tricky to drift off. I also hate getting up in the morning and need to catch up on lost hours. This post is all about exploring ways to potentially sleep better.

So, there is nothing radical here but I do hope there will be even more suggestions in the comments below. It is always great to share ideas on a blog article. I learn so much this way and maybe you will pick up some tips along the way.

1) Make sure you do something physical

It sounds fairly obvious but it makes a massive difference. If you get some exercise during the day, you are much more likely to sleep more soundly.

I find that if I do have a sedentary day, catching up on admin and paperwork, I am less likely to sleep well. If I mix in a fast walk or quick gym session, the quality of sleep I get that night will normally be enhanced.

2) Create the right atmosphere

A dark room, with some calm music or a quiet soundscape should do the trick. I had some curtains that weren’t blocking out the sun in Summer. They were letting in that sunrise and waking me up far too soon.

Alongside good curtains, it is worth finding a suitable podcast or app to listen to. I love turning on the Calm app which has plenty of sleep stories, music and a variety of soundscapes. Sometimes I prefer a woodland backing and others I want flowing water.

3) Keep to a routine

Going to bed at different times every day can be disruptive to your sleep pattern. If you keep confusing your mind and body by having late nights and early ones, your sleep will be messed up.

As annoying as it can seem, I have found going to bed at the same time every night really helps. I try to make sure I squeeze in eight hours of sleep but often it ends up being more like seven.

4) Consider a scent

Sometimes having a fragrance in the bedroom can aid with better sleep. Often a diffuser with a scent that is not too overbearing will help to create that sleepy atmosphere.

Alternatively you can buy little sprays that you pop on your pillow before you lay down. They usually have lavender in them and are meant to promote nodding off.

5) Have regular naps

We all have busy lives and sometimes catching up on sleep is tough. Many people opt to have naps during the daytime and this can be very useful in making sure you get the sleep that you need.

I love to have an afternoon nap at the weekend and on Fridays when I work more flexibly from home. It is really beneficial to have an afternoon nap and can make you feel revitalised and fresh.

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Final Thoughts

There are so many things that you could try if you want to improve the amount and quality of sleep that you get. These were my suggestions based on my own experiences and I would love to know your thoughts on this subject.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this article about making sleep better. Please comment any tips you may have and consider following my blog for future similar content.

For another of my lifestyle articles about entertainment, have a read of Read, Watch, Listen which includes a book, TV show and podcast recommendation.

Why Is Reading Relaxing?

Everyone knows that I am passionate about books. That wasn’t always the case as for almost a decade I lost interest in reading altogether. However, I started to realise that something was missing in my life and decided that it just happened to be reading books. As soon as I started getting sucked into novels again, I didn’t look back. So, if you have ever wondered, ‘Why is reading relaxing?’ I am going to point out my observations on this debatable matter.

Reading is relaxing because it whisks you off to wonderful landscapes and allows your imagination to run wild.

I have heard some people suggest that reading is not as relaxing as watching TV or playing online games. Others suggest that reading is simply hard work. If you are lucky enough to know how to read, then I would say it is worth using that privilege and exploring the world of books. The more you explore, the more likely it is that the reading experience will become relaxing.

Here are some of my thoughts about why reading can be a very relaxing and entertaining experience:

Reading allows you to switch off.

As long as you have chosen a genre that maintains your interest, a book can be a good way to take yourself somewhere else. Some people say that you can lose yourself in a good book and I totally agree. There will always be books that let you down but usually, once you find some writers that entertain you, their novels become escape routes from the mundane repetition of every day life.

Books are fun.

Reading is definitely relaxing because it enables you to kick back and enjoy the rollercoaster of emotions that supplement a good storyline. When you become absorbed in a gripping narrative your body starts to loosen up and you find yourself enjoying the activity. I personally always feel better about myself after I’ve read a chapter or two of one of my current books.

Some books are quite intense, such as thrillers. Others are full of humour. Whatever you read, there will always be moments of laughter, distress and excitement. Often I find myself rooting for a character and looking forward to the next instalment of a drama. Generally the feelings accommodated with reading are pleasurable and satisfying.

Perfect for bed time.

I like to read a book just before I go to sleep. Nothing beats that feeling of being warm and cosy in bed with a lamp on, lapping up the latest chapter of a gripping story. If you are not so keen on fiction, then why not use that time to catch up on a non-fiction text? For me, a fascinating biography is great to read just before I close my eyes. Currently, for example. I dip in and out of a very entertaining and witty book by Mindy Kaling.

Reading is sociable

One of my favourite things about books is talking about them with friends. Many of the books that I read by new authors came to me from recommendations by friends. Similarly, many people enjoy belonging to book groups and sharing opinions about storylines and characters.

Goodreads is another way for friends to display their recent reads and review them. Looking at other people’s reviews can be very helpful when deciding between books, considering which book to read next.

Summary

Reading books is a wonderful way to have some time alone and enjoy narratives. Life can get very busy and stressful and there may be times when it is hard to set aside reading time, but the benefits of doing so are enormous. For some ideas about re-engaging with books, check out How To Regain Your Reading Passion. Most of all, pick up a book and relax.

Thank you for taking the time to read my article. I look forward to seeing your comments about reading as a relaxing activity. For similar future posts, please consider following my little blog,

That Sunday Feeling

Do you ever get that Sunday feeling? After a long working week I just want to kick back and chill on Sundays. I want to devour roast dinners and watch plenty of TV series.

This poem celebrates all things Sunday related. It also considers the sense of doom that comes with a Monday morning. Having Monday looming over me is the downside of Sunday. Never mind. All good things come to an end. Make the most of your weekends while you can. Give yourself some worthwhile me time and rest those aching bones.

The weekend is full of joy,

Much needed sleep and rest,

On Saturday I get stuff done,

For me that day’s the best!

The weekend is a chance to chill,

And watch TV and browse,

But Sunday brings its own delights,

Like cleaning half the house.

Take me back to the seaside.

On Saturday I shop and dance,

I try to workout and be fitter,

But Sunday brings a different vibe,

That sometimes makes me bitter.

Because Monday follows Sunday quick,

And preparations for the work week start,

I wish we had three day weekends,

More time for fun and art.

Reality brings chores and angst,

As ironing and planning fill my days,

But Monday you don’t own me,

With your taunting, stirring ways.

On Sunday I can still kick back,

And eat bacon sandwiches in bed,

I see you Monday, glare at me,

You’re messing with my head!

Thank you for taking the time to read my ‘That Sunday feeling’ poem. Please consider following my blog for similar poems in future. Here is one such poem – Sunday Blues – for you to devour.