8 Tips To Get Better Sleep

It seems today that everyone is exhausted. We are addicted to coffee for the artificial buzz it gives us. Starbucks lurks around every corner for the morning espresso to wake us up, a cappuccino gets us through the afternoon slump, and the evening coffee we need to get through the demands of the evening. We desperately seek out our precious coffee and energy drinks in an effort to just to get through the day.

Friends, that is no way to live. And if you’re reading this, chances are you are one of many who are looking to feel human again. So, here are a few things you can do.

1. Go to bed early

Stop with the late night Netflix binges. Being out all night may have been a breeze in the younger college days, but in truth, that is really hard on the body. Your adrenals require you to sleep not only for a minimum of 8 hours. They require it during a certain time as well so as to be in step with your circadian rhythms. Typically the hours between 10 pm and 2 am are the most important for adrenal rejuvenation. So go to bed early.

2. Pay back your sleep debt

If your body is chronically exhausted, it would do you well to repay it as much lost sleep as you can possibly fit in. Come on now - doesn’t marathon sleeping sound like a blast?

3. Create a routine

Just like babies, having a sleep routine can help prepare your subconscious for sleep, which will help facilitate better sleep.

4. No screens before bed

The bright lights of your phone, tablet, computer, or tv will interfere with your circadian rhythms and it will most certainly interrupt your sleep. Place your phone in the other room while you sleep, and keep it out of your going to bed routine.

5. Take magnesium

From a biological standpoint, there are things you can do to support your sleep cycles as well. If your body is deficient in magnesium, and it likely is, you may experience interrupted or difficult sleep. There are many magnesium supplements out there (such as Calm) - but make sure you get a good one.

6. Get adjusted

This goes without saying. An adjustment can help work out any subluxation (read: “kinks”) that may be in your body and help you sleep more comfortably. Furthermore, every adjustment brings balance to the body as a whole, and you will sleep better for it.

7. Don’t eat after 6 pm

Not only can this help you with weight loss goals, but not eating after 6 pm can help you sleep as well. If you are making your body do the work of digesting while trying to go to bed, you may find yourself having a hard time falling asleep.

8. Don’t go for the sleep aids

Advil PM and other such sleep aids may help you GET to sleep, but they interfere with your REM sleep, which is the rejuvenating sleep that your cells need. They may be a quick fix, but they are definitely not a long term solution.

Sleep is unbelievably important to your health. Make it a deliberate and well thought out priority, and you'll reap the benefits.