A good night’s sleep is vital but there are so many things that could go wrong – a hyper pet, a kid that won’t sleep, traffic outside, or a noisy neighbor. Moreover, some people are not savvy when it comes to buying a quality mattress. Stop counting sheep and start getting sound sleep. Here’s how to get the best rest.

Maintain the Same Sleep Schedule

Some people need to get to work at the same time each day yet many people get to bed at varying hours; one night a person gets eight hours and the next they get much less. Varied sleep does not support a good night’s rest. Try to stay on the same schedule as veering from your normal schedule by just an hour or two can cause havoc. Keep the same schedule as best you can on the weekends as well.

Relax Before Bed

Some drink tea with sleep-inducing ingredients. Others read or do a crossword puzzle to make themselves mentally exhausted. Regardless of the chosen pastime for relaxation, designate time for it about one hour before hitting the sheets. Some meditate when they first awake to feel energized for the day, but you should focus on getting sleepy and a good night’s rest.

Avoid Afternoon Naps

Some are addicted to napping, feeling as if they can’t get through the rest of the day or night otherwise. Napping in the afternoon, however, makes it harder to get to sleep at night as well as to sleep soundly throughout the night. If you’re feeling sluggish each afternoon, it could be your diet or health. Try eating smaller portions but more meals throughout the day or get a health check-up along with a blood test.

Start Exercising

Start exercising each day. It improves your overall health and tires the body for a good night’s rest. Don’t grow obsessed over a particular time, speed, or exercise. Partake in an activity that interests you as well as challenges the body, but be sure that it’s appropriate for your age and health level. That’s not to say an older person couldn’t run, bike, or swim just as well as those years younger. Just be sure you’re not overexerting yourself at first.

Buy a Quality Mattress

Everyone desires goods but no one likes taking money out of their pocket. However, some things require more thought before purchase. Consider how often you spend time in your car. Sure, it’s needed to get to work, to the grocery store, etc. and most spend well over £10,000 for one yet balk at spending less than £2,000 on a quality bed they spend one-third of life in. Learn how to choose your next mattress and get the rest you deserve. Go to www.mattress-guides.net for more information.

Deconstruct the Bedroom

Often, the bedroom is not set up for a sound night’s rest. For example, colder temperatures make getting to sleep a lot easier. Keep the blinds shut during the day to maintain cooler temps. Moreover, soundproof the room as best as possible. This is especially useful for those with roommates or those who work nights versus day shifts. Also, be attentive to the material of your sheets and blankets. Some materials irritate the skin and cause unrest.

Don’t Hang Out in There

Some use their bedroom as a library, home office, place to relax, etc. It’s great to use the space in multiple ways, yet you won’t get good sleep when you hang out in your bedroom before bedtime. Change any bedroom related routines and head to the kitchen, dining room table, or spare bedroom. The point is making a distinction from where you’re awake and where you rest.

Don’t Drink Alcohol, Smoke, or Eat a Big Meal

Alcohol can make people feel anxious as they are sobering up, which makes it harder to get to sleep. Cigarettes are stimulants and get the heart racing, which is not conducive to a resting state. Lastly, a huge meal will get your body working overtime when it should be getting ready to rest. A huge meal requires great digestion, so your body stays up after a big meal well into the evening hours.

Make Notation in a Diary

Some make notations in sleep diaries. Taking note of rituals or what transpired before bedtime can help plan for more restful nights in the future. Take notice of the type of bedsheets and linens used so as to avoid allergies or itchy material. In some cases, people find that events leading up to bedtime are to fault for unrest. Otherwise, it could be the mattress causing you problems.

Guest Post – Demi Harrison writes about sleep! Her articles can be found online at lifestyle and a few health blogs as she discusses medical problems, mattresses and how best to count sheep!