Sleep Tip #57: Eat a Banana

It can be difficult to fall asleep when your tummy is rumbling, so a nighttime snack may be what you need to fall asleep! The problem is that many people will snack on foods that are high in sugar, fats and other ingredients that are both bad for your health and keep you awake. Next time you’re feeling hungry before bed, grab a banana. This fruit contains high amounts of the sleep inducing hormones melatonin and tryptophan. This quick little snack will help you snooze soundly!

Sleep Tip #31 - Use Alarm and Light to Wake Up

Getting into a solid wake routine can be difficult, especially when the days begin to get shorter. Waking up when it is dark can be hard, and the snooze button may become your best friend. Here is a way to kick that habit and begin your day on the right foot...
Go to a local hardware store and purchase a plug-in timer for around $10. Then, plug a lamp or bright light into the timer and set the timer to turn on the light when your alarm clock is set to go off. Move your alarm clock across your room so you are less likely to hit the snooze button. The combination of the alarm further away from your bed and the room being lit will help signal to your brain that it is morning, and it’s time to start your day.

Sleep Tip #27: Power Nap

We have all been there. The day is dragging on, and lunchtime can’t come soon enough. If the coffee isn’t cutting it and you are exhausted, a power nap might be just what you need. Work can be hard and exhausting, so if you feel as if you are slowing down, lay down for a quick 15 to 20 minute nap. This will help energize you, allow you to focus and be more productive than when you’re falling asleep. Do not make this a daily routine as it may cut into your nighttime sleep, but a quick nap every now and then will boost your morale.

Sleep Tip #21: Try Another Position

It is very common that a person will fall into a pattern during sleep. The position we sleep in is typically decided by which feels most comfortable. This however may be doing you more harm than good. If you still cannot sleep, try changing the angle or position in which you sleep. This could help open your throat for better air flow, could angle your head and neck for better support, and it may even help relax the body more. It is always a good idea to surprise your mind and body occasionally.

Sleep Tip #18: Aromatherapy

Anyone you ask can attribute stress to the reasoning that they sometimes cannot sleep. The mind is a powerful tool, and when it is overworked, it has a hard time relaxing. Smell is a very powerful sense. Using aromatherapy candles and oils in your bedroom will help to ease the stress or tension while relaxing your mind and body in bed. Another great idea is to use these candles and oils during a warm bath. Allowing peace and quiet in a relaxing environment will help the mind wind down, and make it easier to forget the days stressors and fall asleep.