If you’re not sleeping well at night, it can have a hugely negative effect on your daily activities. You can feel fatigued, struggle to concentrate, and be irritable towards others. Not cool!

In contrast, if you practice some relaxing things to do before bed, you could feel re-energized and ready to take on the world the next day.

Here are some top tips to get a good night’s sleep, with just a little bit of the right activities before bed.

 

11 Super Relaxing Things to Do Before Bed

 

1. Turn Off Electronic Devices

 

One of the biggest distractions in modern lifestyles is electronic devices (think mobile phones and tablets). It is way too easy to take these gadgets to bed and stay awake reading information you don’t really need to know.

Unfortunately, the extra light from the screens can also keep you awake. Unless you need your device for an essential purpose, it’s best to leave it in a different room or turn it off and leave it on a bedside table.

 

2. Dim the Lights

 

You can help your brain and body prepare for sleep by allowing some preparation time. Because you sleep in the dark, it can help to dim the lights before you go to bed.

This way, you can get used to the conditions that are in your bedroom, and train your body to get into that sleepy mood.

 

3. Relax in a Bath

 

If you’re wondering how to sleep better, it’s important to teach your body to wind down. You may be tense after a long day, even if you don’t consciously feel those tight muscles or stress.

Before you go to bed, run a warm bath and add some relaxing bath salts that aid with releasing tension (Epsom salts work great!).

 

4. Meditate or Practice Yoga

 

One of the best ways to relax before bed is to meditate or practice yoga. These techniques can improve the condition of your mind and body, ultimately leading to a good night’s sleep.

It’s true that it can take time to learn the discipline that comes with these practices, and you may even want to take a class to get you started. Although they can be challenging at the start, many people advocate using these methods to gain a calmer mind.

 

5. Take Melatonin

 

Melatonin is a natural chemical that your body produces to help regulate sleep patterns. If you are seeking for things to do to relax before bed, you may want to consider a melatonin supplement.

It’s possible this could help you resolve your sleep issues. There are different ways to top up your systems, such as taking liquids or melatonin gummy bears.

 

6. Read a Book

 

Learning how to relax before bed doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, you can enjoy your favorite activities while preparing for sleep! For example, reading a book is a great way to help your mind relax and de-stress from your day.

This is different from reading random information you come across on the internet. By becoming involved in an interesting storyline (that is designed to be enjoyable), your brain can calm down and help you begin to doze off.

If you find it uncomfortable to read in a bed, your position and insufficient back support might be the culprit. After all, beds are designed for sleeping first. An innovative way to improve your posture while relaxing in the bed is to use an adjustable bed. These beds are modifiable, which means you can adjust your head, feet, and back support in different situations. It’s also a great option for people who sleep better with their heads slightly elevated.

 

7. Listen to Music

 

Not everyone likes to read, so listening to music is another excellent idea if you’re considering what to do before bed. This isn’t the time to listen to dance or rock music, but a chilled-out playlist can help you to drift off.

Consider some classical music or perhaps some slow, relaxing songs that don’t raise your heart rate.

 

8. Write in Your Journal

 

It’s easy to get caught up in your day-to-day life without really considering what you did when you were awake… This can be unhelpful, as you may focus on stressful things rather than appreciating the positive aspects of your day.

If you take the time to write down some notable, memorable, or just positive events from your day, you may find that your day was more constructive than you think.

 

9. Plan the Next Day

 

It may seem counterintuitive, but thinking ahead could also play a part in improving your sleep. If you go to bed not knowing your plans for the next day, you could become tense, even if this is a subconscious response.

But, if you know exactly what you will do when you get up in the morning, this can encourage a sense of calm that may contribute to a restful sleep.

This can also apply to your present situation before you go to bed. For example, if you need to tidy dishes away, it can be helpful to do this before going to bed instead of leaving them to the next morning.

 

10. Light a Scented Candle

 

There is evidence that pleasant aromas can have a positive effect on sleep quality too. If you usually wake up feeling tired, try lighting your favorite relaxing candle before you go to bed.

Of course, you need to ensure the flame is out before you nod off, but this could add a very pleasant, soothing atmosphere to your bedroom before you go to sleep.

 

11. Stick to Your Routine

 

Having a routine helps both your body and mind to get used to expecting a certain behavior. When it comes to sleep, this means they can anticipate when it is time to wind down and prepare to rest.

Setting a routine and sticking to it can help get you into a pattern of expending energy during the day, and reinvigorating during the night. This is exactly what your body needs!

 

Have a Relaxing Night’s Sleep

 

Incorporating relaxing things to do before bed can make a huge difference to your sleeping pattern and your energy levels the next day. It may take a few days, but by practicing these helpful steps, you can enjoy a fitful night’s rest.

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