Set Up a Successful Bedtime Schedule

The media is once again paying close attention to sleep and the habits that relate to it, and numerous statistics are being used to highlight how few people appear to be getting enough good sleep and how important it is.

We’ve been informed that 90% of adults say they don’t get enough sleep, 25% have trouble sleeping on Sunday nights, and that sleep-related problems cost UK businesses £40 billion annually, which translates to 200,000 lost workdays, due to absenteeism, accidents, and subpar performance.

In light of this, our attention must be directed toward supporting our own successful bedtime routine. Here are some tips;

– Consistency is frequently a key component of a healthy sleep routine, which includes setting aside time to unwind from work, eating well, and making an effort to go to bed and wake up at the same time. Supporting a healthy sleep pattern requires training your mind and body regarding when to wind down.

– Take charge of how you handle the stresses of each day. Consider whether you have done everything you can to address a specific issue, and if so, try to move on until more of your input is needed. Being disciplined is crucial for calming your “fight or flight” response to stress. Adopt healthy daytime routines, take frequent breaks, eat lunch outside, and try to get some exercise; all of these things will support a healthy approach to work/life balance and sound sleep.

– Spend time with your loved ones and friends, and set aside some “me time” to focus on your priorities. If you want to take good care of yourself, you should be clear about how much of your time you’re willing to give up. This may require you to be more assertive and say “no” to some of the demands made on you.

– In particular, those who work from home must make the best use of available space. If you have an office set up in your bedroom, be sure to close the door at the end of each workday. Make sure your bedroom is a tranquil retreat where you can unwind before bed. In order to avoid distractions, try to keep it free of clutter and excess technology.

– In terms of technology, be firm. In order to avoid the temptation to check in “just one more time,” try to turn off your devices two hours before you plan to go to bed. Set aside specific times to check social media and email in order to improve your focus and time management. Then give yourself some time before going to bed to unwind and quiet your mind. As the blue light from your phone has been found to impair sleep, keep it away from your bed.

– Have a cutoff time when you turn off all of your devices and establish a routine that marks the end of the busy part of your day if you work from home or spend a lot of time there. You can end your workday by setting your phone to answerphone, locking the door to your office, taking a walk, and changing out of your work clothes.

– Any important, meaningful, or stressful conversations should be saved for a later, more suitable time. Late at night or when one of you is overtired, busy, or distracted won’t be good for either of you and can keep you up at a time when you should be getting ready for bed. Both parties decide when the conversation should take place and make sure it does. In this manner, you are able to ‘park up’ your concerns with assurance, knowing that you won’t forget to bring them up at a later date.

– Do you feel underexercised physically after work but mentally worn out and jaded? A lot of people’s jobs necessitate either mental or physical effort, so they become fatigued in one but not the other. To improve your ability to fall asleep, try to find some balance by engaging in mental exercise such as crossword puzzles and quizzes, as well as walking, swimming, and other physical activity. Otherwise, you risk becoming agitated and unable to unwind.

– You can avoid filling your mind with worries or concerns about the upcoming day by getting ready for it. Layout your clothes the night before, or go with a set outfit or color. Make lists to ease your anxiety or fear of forgetting something. Being organized can increase your sense of control and improve your ability to sleep.

– A soothing bath or shower before bed is a good way to mentally and symbolically wash away the stresses of the day and get ready for bed. Some people prefer to read, drink hot milky beverages, meditate, listen to calming music, or engage in yoga.

A great investment and crucial strategy for ensuring a restful night’s sleep is to be devoted to a positive bedtime routine.