Life
9 Sleeping Tricks That Make Getting Up Way Easier
Even if I tell myself, "I'm totally going to sleep early tonight," it's not a given that getting up in the morning the next day will be easy. (Instead, I'll likely be googling throwback photos of Justin Timberlake's frosted tips). That's why making getting out of bed in the morning easier has become my priority before I even shut my laptop, and it all starts with a few tricks for sleeping more restfully at night.
If you're constantly on the move during the day or have been overworking your body with rigorous exercise, you might come home at night feeling sore and tense. That's not a great set-up for a healthy night of sleep. Consider working a relaxing practice like yoga into your bedtime routine — some pre-bedtime stress relieving activities could significantly help your body to unwind, so you can sleep better and wake up feeling fresh and rested.
Plus, just shutting off your electronics before bed will do wonders for your sheep-counting skills. If you swap out your screen time (which totally messes with your brain's ability to shut off at night) for a best-selling read instead, you might be surprised at how much easier your mornings go. Read on for all of the ways to fall asleep quicker and easier tonight.
Wake Up At Your Best Sleep Cycle Time With Gentle Vibration
Jawbone UP2 Lightweight Thin Strap Fitness Tracker, Oat , $48, Amazon
This thin and sleek activity tracker uses smart alarm technology to wake you up at the optimal time in your sleep cycle. You'll never have to be jolted awake by your annoying alarm sound again, as this wrist gadget silently vibrates to gently wake you up for your day. Bonus: This tracker's battery lasts for up to ten days, so you won't have to be worried about it losing its charge and making you late for work (the long line at Starbucks takes care of that already). When you're not using it to monitor your Z's, the wrist piece tracks everyday activities and wirelessly gives feedback on daily goals through the app.
Sleep With A Best-Selling Humidifier To Stay Hydrated While You Snooze
Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier , $30, Amazon
If you wake up feeling dehydrated after sleeping in a room with air conditions that aren't exactly ideal, you'll feel way more refreshed and rejuvenated when you wake up in a room with a warm mist humidifier. This machine doesn't make noise at night and has a soft glowing nightlight to add to your gentle sleep environment. Plus, with this humidifier, your hair and skin will feel hydrated, healthy, and smooth when you wake up for an easier, less stressful morning.
Take A Relaxing Bath With Sleep-Inducing Scent For More Restful Night
I Dream of Sleeping Bath Bomb by Blissful Bath , $7, Amazon
If you never set aside time for a relaxing bath at night, I highly recommend it. It will help you calm down and unwind from your stressful day, and throwing in a soothing bath bomb with essential oils of lavender, vanilla and sandalwood only further eases stress levels. These scents are known to calm and relax, and you'll be feeling ready for some shut-eye by the time you step out of the tub. Bonus: This bath bomb moisturizes and softens skin also, so you'll a much more comfortable sleep, and your skin will be better fortified against losing moisture overnight.
Shut Off Your Electronics Before Bed — Try Reading A Best-Selling Novel, Instead
Me Before You: A Novel , $7, Amazon
If you're constantly on Netflix in bed and you're wondering why you can't fall asleep, it's because using electronics at night disrupts your sleep. So, tonight, try closing your laptop and unwinding with a book, like the best-selling Me Before You by JoJo Moyes. You'll be sucked into a love story about two people who couldn't have less in common, and you'll agree with users' five star reviews in no time. Best of all? The lack of an electronic's blue light before bed makes for better rest and a smoother morning.
Block Out Light Pollution With Handcrafted Satin & Plush Sleep Mask
Hustle in my Sleep Girl Boss Eye Mask , $14, Amazon
This cute sleep mask is handcrafted by a Texas-based artisan with satin and extra layers of plush, which keep light and distractions away from your closed eyelids. It's super comfortable with an elastic band that keeps it from falling and prevents the mask from snagging your hair while you catch some Z's. Bonus: This mask comes with a nice satin bag for travel, and it's machine washable for easy cleaning between amazing nights of sleep.
Cut Out Caffeine At Night — Sip On Calming, Organic Kava Kava & Valerian Tea
Be Sleepy Relaxing Bedtime Tea , $17, Amazon
Joan Salge Blake, RD, a clinical associate professor at Boston University told Health that sipping caffeine after 2 p.m is a no-no if you want your best sleep. When you get home at night to snuggle up to your favorite book, sip this calming tea with chamomile and lavender, which quiet the brain, and kava kava and valerian, which will calm your nervous system and help you fall asleep easier. Reviewers say there is a pleasant fragrant taste, and that the soothing ingredients truly promote a good night's rest.
Burn A Soy Wax Lavender Aromatherapy Candle To Unwind
Scented Candles (Lavender) Soy Wax Aromatherapy Candles, $10, Amazon
Lavender is a scent that's used for calm and relaxation, and when paired with this soy wax candle, your stresses from the day will dissolve, and you'll be ready for a refreshing night of sleep. Soy wax also has a slower melting point, so this candle will last you many nights at home. One user even recommends using this candle as a massage oil.
Stretch Before Bed On A Lightweight, Non-Slip Yoga Mat
Gaiam Print Premium Reversible Yoga Mats , $30, Amazon; Good Night Yoga: Your Evening Yoga Guide for A Full Night's Rest, $3, Amazon
Getting into a routine of laying out a yoga mat on your floor and following some simple stretches before you sleep will help you to relax before bed. With a sticky, non-slip traction, your stretch session will be simple and you can even take this mat with you on your next weekend getaway with its lightweight design. Need some nighttime stretching inspo? Check out this evening yoga guide that promises to put an end to sleepless nights of tossing and turning.
(Psst! Check out Kindle Unlimited now on a free 30-day trial.)
And When Worse Comes to Worst, A Cozy & Comfortable Throw Works Wonders
Northpoint Cashmere Plush Velvet Throw, Charcoal, $17, Amazon
Tucking yourself in with a super cozy cashmere-soft plush velvet throw will help you to get comfortable quicker, which always helps when it comes to falling asleep easier. As a bonus, this blanket is machine washable, so it's easy to clean. Snag it in eight different colors to get your perfect bedding match, and get on board with the reviewer who said they've already ordered three!
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Images: Fotolia (1); Amazon (10)