For college students busy with classes, work and extracurricular's, a good night’s sleep can seem like a rare luxury, but it does not have to stay that way. Check out these six tips to sleep better and live a healthier, happier, more productive life.
For very obvious reasons, try avoiding caffeine in the late afternoon and evening. As a stimulant, caffeine actually makes it harder for your brain to relax and may keep you up all night.
Take good care of your mental health. Feeling overwhelmed by a long list of to-do's can be the culprit for those restless nights. Try to reduce stress daily by jotting down your worries or tasks each night and set them asside for tomorrow. Do not overwork or overload yourself and see a therapist or counselor if needed.
Wake up at the same time every day, even on the weekend. Nothing is better than sleeping in on a Saturday morning, but waking up at the same time daily keeps your body on a sleep schedule and makes it easier to wind down at the end of the day.
Before you hit the hay, it's best to turn your cellphone notifications off and turn down your screen brightness. Pings from your apps and text messages in the middle of the night can make it impossible for you to get a full nights sleep. Leave your ringer on for emergency calls only.
Cuddle up under your favorite blanket, turn down the lights and try listening to soothing music and gentle sounds each night before bed. Setting the mood with cozy vibes allows for deep relaxation and your body will start to naturally wind down.
Avoid naps in the late afternoon and evening. I know it can be tempting to get a little extra shut eye during the day, but taking long naps can actually make it difficult for you to fall asleep at beditme. Try limiting naps to 30 minutes or less to ensure that you get at least 6-8 hours of sleep at night.