10 Proven Signs You Should Get More Sleep

Photo source: mental_floss

Hey friends! Haaaaaappy Friday! 🙂 Hope you are having a wonderful morning and have some fun events ahead. What are you up to this weekend? Sorry for disappearing on you lately. I took up a new professional challenge and the commute takes up a big chunk of the day. For now. Soon to be changed.

Back to today’s blog post, do you sleep enough? I’ve recently decided to focus on the importance of sleep to complement my healthy lifestyle. A good night’s sleep can improve overall health and it’s just as valuable as regular exercise and wholesome nutrition.

Did you know that not getting enough sleep can lead to weight gain, weaken the immune system, and make you feel sluggish the next day?

It’s true. I recently realized that I run much better on a Sunday morning and I am pretty sure that it’s because I have caught up on my sleep. Here are ten proven signs you should be getting better sleep.

Slap yourself in the face a few times, and then keep reading to find out. 😉

1. You need an alarm to wake up.
2. Use the snooze button on your alarm more than three times.
3. You fall asleep in an instant once you hit the bed.
4. You are more impulsive than usual.
5. You are hungrier than usual.
6. You keep coming down with cold sore (that’s me), colds and so on.
7. Are you reading this line twice? Well, that’s your seventh reason.
8. Don’t be gauche! 😉
9. You are negligent.
10. You are fighting with your partner/friends/family over small things.

If this sounds like you during the workweek too, read on for proven wisdom advice gathered from friends on what to do before bedtime to get a good night’s sleep.

1) Change your habits: Push away that bottle of wine that it’s opened and winks at you saying “get it over with”. We all know it by now that alcohol can disrupt your sleep later in the night.
My recommendation is to drink a cup of milk instead (give it a try!). Drink up as milk can help get your body in a sleepy state of mind.

2) Intense cardio is a NO WAY: Yes, of course, exercising on a regular basis is the key to sleeping well at night, but hitting the gym right before you’re about to snooze isn’t the best idea. Aside from needing to eat right after, it revs up your heart rate and your energy levels, making it difficult for your body and mind to settle down enough to fall asleep.
My recommendation is to finish your workout at least three hours before bedtime.

3) Avoid, Avoid, AVOID: Certain things in your life, like worrying about your to-do list, the light emanating from your laptop screen, working late, a big meal or intense cardio exercise, can “energize” your body and brain instead of helping you wind down.
My recommendation is to make sure you avoid them before you go to bed to get a good night’s sleep.

4) Consistency is key: Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule each day of the week (if possible even on weekends). Getting up and going to bed at the same time everyday will help your body fall into a natural rhythm, so it knows when to sleep, and when to be awake.

5) Clear your mind: If work or family or partner make you think and worry in bed, figure out your way how to manage them.
My recommendation is to turn off all electronics at least an hour before bedtime, and, more specifically, to stop watching television.

I personally try to read every night before bed. It’s a way to forget about the stress of the day without completely zoning out of existence.

It might take some strategic planning, and lifestyle changes to get the good night’s rest you need. However, the health benefits you’ll gain are worth the effort. This week, try some of the above sleep tips and see if they make a difference. In the meantime, good luck and have a great weekend!

Stay healthy and be happy!
Xoxo Cris