8 Simple And Affordable Ways to Get Better Sleep
Sometimes our greatest challenge is simply getting some quality much needed rest. Especially living in a city like New York, we're constantly thinking about our "To Do" lists, thinking about work projects or simply thinking about life. Often times we put sleep on the back burner but the truth is that resting is essential to healing. When the body goes through the sleep cycle, we process all of the information that we've been "downloading" that day.
Now there are a number of sleep aids that are quite popular such as earplugs, eye masks, sleeping pills, and white noise. However, these sleep aids can be costly and not necessarily the healthiest options.
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Here are 8 low-cost ways to help make sleep an important part of your selfceare regimen.
CLEAR THE AIR.
Purify your bedroom of allergens and other "noise" that bothers respiration. A humidifier, Himalayan Salt Lamp, and indoor plants are a great way to restore the air's balance and remove harmful toxins that we didn't even know were suffocating our sleep.
OPEN THE WINDOW.
This is one we often don't think about but getting some fresh air may prove to be beneficial. This may help to calm anxiety.
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USE ESSENTIAL OILS.
Essential oils are helpful for so many things! Lavender for example helps to calm the mind. Put a few drops around your neck or in your oil diffuser so that you may breath it in as you rest.
DRINK TEA.
We're sure this is one that your grandma has told you about. Chamomile for example is a great calming tea that has been known to reduce inflammation, decrease anxiety and treat insomnia.
TURN OFF ALL ELECTRONICS (LIGHTS, TV, RADIO)
Our nervous system is always on, even while we sleep. It's best to limit the amount of information intake during our "off" hours. A Digital Detox at night is a great way to unwind from the accompanying stimulation.
CLEAN THE BEDDING.
Maybe you just need freshly washed sheets. Having clean bedding can help you get comfortable (especially if you washed your sheets with lavender-scented detergent.)
HOLD YOUR BREATH.
Breath work can work wonders before bedtime and is recommended by many wellness practitioners. There are many soothing breathing exercises that double as meditation that can really help in getting a good nights sleep.
TAKE A SHOWER.
Although it will momentarily wake you up, the soothing sensation of water will cleanse you of your daily external grime, allowing your skin to breathe, and preparing the body to do the internal work. Remove that make up, take out your contacts, and give yourself time to be you.
In the U.S., 40 million people suffer from chronic long-term sleep disorders each year, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It's time to make sleep a priority and do it in a healthy and cost effective way. Everyone deserves a quality night of rest.