For many college students, falling into bed after a long day is one of life’s greatest pleasures. However, for other students, it can be difficult to calm the hyperactive thoughts that seem to appear the moment their heads hit the pillow. If you’re having trouble sleeping soundly through the night, or if you find yourself hitting the snooze button one too many times in the morning, check out these helpful tips for getting better sleep.
Create a sleep sanctuary
Drifting into dreamland is much easier when you get to fall asleep in a peaceful and comforting environment. Creating a calming sanctuary where your mind and body feel entirely at ease is a great way to ensure a better night’s sleep. This may seem a bit difficult if you’re living in a dorm room or sharing a sleeping space, but you can still take some small steps to create a cozier sleeping space. Dark curtains and a comfortable mattress and pillow will go a long way in soothing your body, while aromatherapy or healing stones can help calm your mind. Certain crystals and stones, such as amethyst, labradorite, and tiger or leopard jasper, emit unique frequencies that help clear energy blockages and relieve the mind and body of any stress you may have accumulated throughout your day.
Stick to a schedule
Between classes, extracurriculars, studying, and social activities, sticking to a bedtime can be difficult. However, establishing a regular sleep schedule is actually one of the best tips for getting better sleep. Our minds and bodies function best when we follow our natural 24-hour circadian rhythms. Going to sleep and waking up at the same time each night and morning will help train your body and mind to follow a more structured sleep schedule. While it may not be possible to hit the hay at the same time every night, particularly during hectic exam times, establishing a general bedtime can aid in overall sleep quality. Getting into this habit can be hard in the beginning, and seeing results may take some time, but sticking to a structured sleep schedule can yield significant benefits in long-term sleep quality.
Cut the cord
With the prevalence of technology in our society, and with how quickly news travels across social media, the fear of missing out on important information can make shutting down your screens at the end of the night difficult. However, limiting the use of technology and exposure to blue light is extremely important in getting a good night’s sleep. Try to power down your electronic devices at least one hour before you go to bed. The blue light emitted by your smart phone or computer can confuse your circadian rhythm, making it harder to stick to a routine schedule and sleep through the night. If you have trouble limiting electronic use before bed, try switching the settings on your phone to lower brightness levels or to alter the display settings to red light instead.
Establish a routine
Everyone’s nighttime routine looks a little different. The most important part of creating a sleep schedule is finding what works best for you. For some people, this will include a bit of light exercise and a relaxing bath or shower. For others, spending time meditating or journaling is more important. Regardless of your favorite nighttime rituals, clearing your mind and properly winding down after a long day is an important element in achieving a good night’s sleep. Be sure to avoid stimulants such as coffee or alcohol, and try not to eat anything too high in sugar or caffeine, for at least a few hours before climbing into bed.
