10 Easy Ways to Get an Excellent Night’s Sleep

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and Breathe Right® Nasal Strips. All opinions are mine alone. #TomorrowStartsTonight #CollectiveBias

Ah, sleep. It’s so vital, and it can be so elusive. Getting an excellent night’s sleep will obviously allow you to function better during the day. It will help you at your job or school, improve your energy level, and it is imperative for overall health.

Why an Excellent Night’s Sleep can be elusive

There are many things that can make it difficult to fall or stay asleep. Who hasn’t been kept up at night while a partner sleeps happily away, clueless about your insomnia? Too many things on your mind, too little exercise, and stuffy sinuses can all contribute to a poor night’s sleep.

In my case, clogged nasal passages lead frequently to a sinus headache. I can be seen often clutching my head and face, trying to open those sinuses so that I can get relief. That is not conducive to an excellent night’s sleep!

10 Tips to Help You Get an Excellent Night’s Sleep

1. Make your bedroom your sanctuary

Your bedroom should be for sleeping. Period. If you read or bring work home, find a different spot to get it done. Add some candles and soft lighting so that when you enter your bedroom you feel relaxed and secure. And when you turn off those lights, the room should be dark and quiet.

2. Keep the dogs off the bed

Okay, so I may not be taking my own advice here, but having dogs on your bed can definitely interfere with getting an excellent night’s sleep. Fix them a nice bed, let them sleep in their crate. They will be happy. And you will sleep much better.

3. Don’t watch television

Just get the television out of your bedroom. Falling asleep to the gentle sounds of your favorite show playing in the background will lead to wakeful moments later in the night. Plus, chances are you’re interfering with your partner’s sleep, too!

4. Watch the alcohol intake

While alcohol seems to make you sleepy, it will wear off sometime during the night, potentially leaving you wide awake and possibly anxious. While a glass of wine or cocktail in the evening probably won’t cause a problem, overindulgence can interfere with your sleep patterns.

5. Take some wind-down time

If you are like me and charge through your day from morning to night, you are likely to feel pretty wound up at bedtime. Try taking some time to wind down. Turn off the television, put down the book, and simply relax. Try some restorative yoga, a warm bath, or even meditate for a few minutes. Clearing your mind will help you fall asleep more quickly.

6. Don’t eat too late

If you haven’t fully digested your meal, your body is in full-on metabolization mode. That’s kind of like having an oven in your belly and can make you too warm and uncomfortable to fall asleep. Try to give yourself at least a couple hours between dinner and bedtime.

7. Watch your caffeine intake

While most people realize that having a cup of coffee too late in the afternoon can lead to sleeplessness, they may not be as cognizant of other caffeine sources like sodas and energy drinks. And even too much caffeine earlier in the day may lead to sleep disturbances.

8. Avoid naps

There’s nothing like a lovely nap after a run or workout, but make sure that it’s a short one (20-30 minutes). Napping for too long can throw off your sleep cycle. Another benefit of getting an excellent night’s sleep will be a reduced need for naps at all!

9. Get exercise during the day (but not too close to bedtime)

Getting enough exercise during the day will help you feel more tired at bedtime and lead to better sleep. However, be cautious about high intensity exercise too close to bedtime. For some people, it makes it more difficult to wind down and fall asleep.

10. Ease Sinus Symptoms with Breathe Right® Nasal Strips

About a month ago, I was talking to a co-worker about my sinus headaches at night, and she suggested that I try Breathe Right® Nasal Strips. As it turned out, that was the best suggestion ever. This simple, drug-free solution helps me lift and open up my clogged nasal passages, which relieves the pressure that causes my headaches. The result is a pain-free and excellent night’s sleep.

Another thing I discovered that I did not expect was that I don’t wake up with a terribly dry, sticky mouth in the middle of the night. Apparently, I had been doing a lot of mouth breathing, and now that my nasal passages are clear I’m able to stick to breathing through my nose, even when I’m asleep.

I purchased my Breathe Right Strips at Walmart because they have the best prices and value. Since this was my first time using them, I wanted to make sure that I applied the Breathe Right Strips correctly. Fortunately, there’s a video for that! Plus the instructions are right on the package. They are actually pretty simple both to apply and remove.

Make sure your face is clean and dry, then apply the strip to your nose near where your nostril flares. Gently rub it to ensure it adheres well. In the morning, they come right off after you wash your face. There are options for sensitive skin.

Want to try Breathe Right Nasal Strips? Click here for a free sample or $1 off coupon.

Do you have any tips for an excellent night’s sleep? What is your sleep challenge? Have you tried nasal strips before?

 

---

My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!

Meatless Monday with Sarah and Deborah
Meatless Monday with Annmarie  and Rachel
Inspire Me Monday with Janice
Anything Goes with Marilyn
Wild Workout Wednesday with Annmarie, Michelle, Jen, and Nicole
The Plant Based Potluck Party with Deborah
The Running Coaches’ Corner with Rachel, Suz, Lora Marie, and Me!
Giveaway Roundup and Try Out Thursdays with Smitha
The Blogger’s Pit Stop with Kathleen, Janice, Julie and Me!
Living a Life of Fitness, Health and Happiness with Jill
Friday Favorites with Heather