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Whether it’s stress, a busy schedule, or just life in general, more and more people are finding it difficult to get restful sleep. Poor sleep quality can negatively impact many aspects of your life, including performance at work or school, your mood, and even your social interactions. For Better Sleep Month this May, learn how to improve the quality of your sleep, and wake up more refreshed.

Ditch the Devices

If you’re using your phone or laptop right before you go to bed, the bright light from the screen can disrupt your body’s natural process for inducing sleep. Shutting down screen time at least 15 minutes before you hit the hay will help you relax.  If it’s possible, make the bedroom a technology free zone- plug in your devices in another room to remove the temptation to check your email or browse Facebook if you can’t instantly doze off.

Use Soothing Scents

Creating a calming sleep environment can involve all senses. Try making a pillow spray from water infused with a few drops of lavender oil, and using it before bedtime, or applying the oil itself to your temples or pulse points in your wrists and neck. Lavender has properties as a stress reducing scent, and breathing it in as you’re drifting off can help calm your mind and relax your body.

Stick to a Schedule

Bedtimes aren’t just for kids anymore. If you keep a regular schedule for sleeping and waking up, you’ll find that you can get to sleep more quickly, and you will wake up more refreshed. Creating a routine or ritual around when you’re going to bed can also help your body understand that it’s time for sleep. Try blocking off the hour before bedtime for quiet activities- reading a book or taking a bath.

Use Your Bedroom for Sleep

Using your bedroom for work or for watching TV can train your brain that it may not be time for sleep when you’re actually ready for bed. Make your bedroom your private sanctuary, and find a different place for your home office or recreational activities.

Good sleep is just one way to improve your day to day life. If you’re passionate about helping others maintain a healthier, more balanced lifestyle, be sure to learn more about becoming a student in one of PCOM’s acupuncture, massage therapy, or holistic nursing programs.

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