How to Relax Before Bed
By Sara Butler
Bedtime is one of the most important parts of your day. The quality and quantity of your sleep has a huge impact on your overall health and wellness. Many people don’t invest enough time in their bedtime routine to set themselves up for sleep success. Here are some tips to help you relax before bedtime that will hopefully get you on the road to healthier sleeping habits!
Take a Bath
A soothing bath an hour or two before bed is a great way to relax. It’s soothing to your tired muscles and also helps your mind to let go of the events of the day. You can even try to add some scents such as lavender, light some candles, and put on some soft music to help you relax and get ready for sleep even more.
The only word of warning here is not to shower. Baths and showers are not equal when it comes to relaxing before bed. Showers can wake your body up instead of helping you to get ready for sleep.
Warm Milk Works!
It may be an old wives’ tale, but warm milk actually helps to calm you and prepare you for sleep. Milk contains the same amino acid as turkey that makes you sleepy. This amino acid helps to release serotonin to help you fall asleep. If warm milk isn’t your jam, then chamomile tea can work wonders, too. Just avoid alcohol, as it can make it more difficult for you to fall asleep.
Try Not to Stress
One of the worst things in the world is to sit in bed and think about all the things you did or didn’t do that day, or think about all the things you need to do tomorrow. Worrying about things you can’t do anything about, especially from your bed, is not going to get you anywhere, so try to let it go. If you need to, make a to-do list so you can get up and focus on the things on your mind in the morning, but try not to let it ruin your attempt to find sleep.
Exercise
Exercising right before bed is a terrible idea, but getting regular exercise at some point in your day is a great way to help improve your sleep. Even something as simple as a short walk after dinner or during lunch can make a big difference!
Sleep is so important, so set yourself up for success!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Spartanburg, S.C.