One of the most common causes of worry at bedtime is a failure to plan for a restful night’s sleep. Failure to plan is, like most things, a plan to fail. It appears to be as simple as getting into bed, turning off the lights, closing our eyes, and falling asleep. If only it were that easy. The secret to sleeping is to prepare for sleep ahead of time.
A bedtime program can help us deal with stress and prepare our thoughts and bodies for sleep. The hour before going to bed is just as critical as the moment your head strikes the pillow. This is why:
The things you do before going to bed have an impact on your sleep
What you do before going to bed can either make or destroy your ability to sleep. Screen time, caffeine consumption, watching emotionally charged content, talking about sensitive themes, and other things can cause you to become more active when you should be slowing down.
It is advisable to conduct activities that support and activate your natural sleep rhythm before going to bed—reading, taking a hot bath or shower, and drinking decaffeinated hot tea. Listening to meditative content, dressing comfortably, and preparing for bed all contribute to good sleep.
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Your sleep cycle is influenced by your circadian rhythm
Our bodies are built with a built-in sleep cycle. The circadian rhythm is a natural biological process in our bodies that allows us to distinguish between night and day. Our bodies have a natural wind-down window during which they transition towards tiredness and prepare to go to bed. Staying up late or overstimulation can generate severe tension and make it much more difficult to fall asleep and wake up refreshed.
Setting a regular bedtime and sticking to it can help keep your rhythm in sync. Because your body will get used to going to sleep at a certain time, sleep training your body to sleep and wake at specified times can assist manage and override stressful thoughts at bedtime. Once your body is accustomed to falling asleep and awakening at regular times, you are unlikely to require an alarm clock or have difficulty going asleep…even when stressed.
Make a schedule that works for you
Developing a nighttime routine that works for you will allow you to consistently get ready for bed and fall asleep with minimal effort. Everyone is unique, and what one person requires to unwind may not be the same as what another requires. Develop nighttime routines that help you calm, relax, and destress before bed, and you’ll find it easier to fall asleep and have more peaceful nights.
Beating The Stress Addiction
On a daily basis, many people suffer from stress, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Many of these problems are the result of our brains developing a stress addiction. It's our brain's way of dealing with the stress of everyday life. As a result, when we perform something that isn't stressful, our brain has a hard time dealing with it. It wishes to revert to an anxious condition. This is where the audio book Beating The Stress Addiction comes in. This audio book is a step-by-step tutorial on how to rewire your brain and overcome stress addiction.
