Do you ever find your eyes popping open at 2 am, struggling to drift back into slumber? I've been there. My midnight musings were almost always frustrating, and over time, they started to affect my overall wellbeing. After numerous nights of disrupted sleep, I plunged into finding the root causes and solutions to my dilemma. I soon realised that my sleep difficulty was not just a singular issue, but stemmed from a multitude of factors.
Some of these were physiological, like my liver working overtime or unbalanced blood sugar levels. Others were a result of my lifestyle choices, like increased caffeine intake, an overly busy schedule and eating sugar late at night. I also noticed that drinking alcohol and being glued to my phone screen into the wee hours had a detrimental impact on my sleep quality.
From my experience, I've learned that achieving deep, restful sleep is a fine-tuned balance of regulating your internal body functions, adapting healthier habits, and creating a relaxing pre-bedtime routine. Here are some strategies I leveraged that you might find helpful too.
Limiting caffeine intake to one coffee a day had a profound effect on my sleep cycle. Along with this, incorporating high-quality protein into my dinner helped balance blood sugar levels, which, in turn, eased the workload off my liver. Resisting the allure of social media post 7pm was challenging, but it relieved my brain from unnecessary stimulation at bedtime.
Replacing my high-octane exercise regimen with restful movements like yoga, nurtured a soothing environment for sleep. I started taking magnesium and passionflower supplements and sipping on calming herbal teas in the evening such as chamomile or green tea – both of which worked wonders. Our Sleep + Calm Melatonin Gummies are expertly formulated to provide you with the ideal combination of melatonin and passionflower, helping to support a healthy sleep cycle. Finally, practicing deep breathing exercises or simple leg elevation before bed helped me let go of any residual stress from the day.
Speaking of stress, one cannot underestimate the havoc it wreaks on our sleep. Often, we go to bed, unknowingly clutching the tensions of our day. A simple yoga pose, like 'legs up against the wall' or a 'forward bend,' can be invaluable. Soft, calming music has also been a personal favourite when I find myself awake at night.
By implementing these small yet significant changes, the quality of my sleep improved significantly. If you too yearn for a good night's sleep, I encourage you to give these tips a try. Remember, better sleep is not just about what you do at night, it's about creating a holistic day filled with healthy habits and nurturing practices. Sweet dreams! Sienna x