Sleep is underestimated by many people. We all know that we have to eat and drink to stay alive. Sleep deprivation can be just as unhealthy as not eating or drinking.
We ignore many times the signal our body gives us that it is time to rest, and just keep on going or tell ourselves just to do one more thing.
How Much Sleep Do We Need?
Although it is different for most of us it is recommended for adults to have at least 7 hours of sleep every night and some people even need 9 hours.
It is also important to know what is your time to fall asleep. This is part of your circadian rhythm.
You can read all about what Circadian rhythm is and your natural bedtime in this article.
Read my article to help you figure out what is the best time to go to bed.
What Not To Do Before Bedtime?
There are a few things we all know that we should avoid before bedtime but most of us still do.
Things like:
- Not going to bed with a full stomach.
- No shower just before bedtime.
- Staying active before bedtime.
- Stay away from the TV, Computer, etc.
And there are a few more things that you know you should avoid but all these things are not easy to do sometimes.
Most of us watch TV or check Facebook or email just before going to bed.
What Is Better To Do Before Bedtime?
It sounds so easy to tell you what to do but many times I have trouble doing it myself.
- Turning off the TV is the best thing to do.
But do not substitute this with your phone, tablet, or laptop, because this will defeat the purpose.
- Turning the heat or air conditioner down or up to a temperature that is comfortable to sleep in about an hour before bedtime will help your body relax.
- Reading a book or listening to some soft music can help you relax and this will allow your mind to unwind. This is very important.
- Drink a glass of water before you go to bed this will relax and help to avoid leg cramps
I also keep my phone out of my bedroom for the same reason.
What If Nothing Helps?
Sometimes we are in a situation where we need a little help falling or staying asleep.
As you can imagine I am not a big fan of over-the-counter sleeping aids unless they are natural.
I suggest you find one that contains Melatonin since this is the chemical that our body naturally makes itself when it is about time to go to sleep. Another one can be Valerian.
Several good brands work well. Have a good look at the ingredients on the label to make sure that it is all natural and does not contain any chemicals in the filler.
You should also have a look at your mattress. A good quality mattress like I wrote about in my PlushBeds reviews can improve your sleep.
If you have any brand you like to recommend feel free to leave it in the comments below.
Eddie Vandam
Eddie Vandam, the voice behind the Senior Citizen Website, is a retired internet marketer and proud senior. With a passion for helping fellow seniors navigate the complexities of aging, Eddie shares his insights on health, independence, products, and enriching hobbies. He’s committed to making senior years both fulfilling and enjoyable. Read more about Eddie Vandam.