A lot of us have trouble sleeping, even when life is fairly routine. During a pandemic like we are experiencing now due to COVID-19, even people who normally have no trouble sleeping are experiencing insomnia and anxiety.
There are so many reasons you may have trouble sleeping right now — our entire world has been turned upside down:
- Both your daily routine and that of your family has completely changed
- We are going out very little, so we aren’t getting much sunlight or exercise
- We’re worried about the future and when things are going to get back to normal
- We’re lonely and miss our extended family, friends, and co-workers
- We’re in a heightened sense of tension all the time – worrying about if we’ll get COVID-19 and what will happen if we do
All of these factors can contribute to us not being able to get a good night’s sleep. But sleep is absolutely critical to being able to stay healthy and deal with stress. So we thought you might appreciate some tips to help you deal with anxiety and get a good night’s sleep.
Drink Less Caffeine
That morning jolt may be the only thing that gets you out of bed — and that’s OK! Having a cup of coffee (or more than one) is an important ritual for a lot of us, and rituals are essential for keeping us calm and happy. We may not be able to go to our favourite coffee shops right now, but we can still enjoy a nice cup at home.Since caffeine is considered a stimulant, it’s important to make sure you’re not getting it too late into the day. If you find you are drinking coffee late into the afternoon, and then having trouble falling asleep, try moving your last cup to earlier into the day.
Turn Off Your PhoneI
It’s so tempting to bring our phones to bed with us to make sure we don’t miss a minute of the day’s news. But this can lead to a lot of consequences, including:
- Getting worked up by news or social media
- Staying up too late checking “just one more thing”
- Not being able to sleep because blue light from the phone has disrupted your sleep schedule
Try reading a book or a magazine before bed, or do an easy hobby, like knitting, that relaxes you. You’ll be more relaxed and fall asleep quicker.
Be Active
If you’re trying to balance work, plus extra time with your kids or pets, it can be hard to find the time to be active. You may be used to getting your workout going to or from work or at your gym, which is now closed.It’s essential to be active as much as possible — it’ll help boost your mood and wear you out enough physically that it’ll be easier to fall asleep at night. It also enables you to deal with stress! If you can, going outside is better. Even a quick walk around the block will get you some sunshine and fresh air!There lots of ways to be active indoors or out:
- Family dance party
- Walking
- Yoga
- Resistance exercise using your body weight
- Playing with your pets or kids
Stick to a Schedule
Now that you no longer have to rush through your morning routine to get the office on time, it can be tempting just to sleep in and log on when you feel like it. You may even take a nap during your lunch break!The problem with this is that it can really throw off your schedule. It’s fine to take advantage of having no commute to get a little extra sleep; after all, most of us are sleep-deprived! But as tempting as it may be, napping can make it harder to fall asleep at night, so try to avoid it.The other issue is making sure you’re not working at all hours of the day. With no clear separation between home and office, it can be harder to have a “hard stop” to your workday. Try to finish working at least a few hours before bed so that you have plenty of time to relax and wind down.
Get More Melatonin
Melatonin is the hormone that helps us get to sleep. It’s not always produced in the quantities that we need it, due to blue light from our phones, and all the lights both inside and outside our homes. Here are ways you can get more melatonin in your system:
- Drink a glass of melatonin-rich cherry juice before bed
- Take a melatonin supplement in gummy or pill form — start with a low dose and check with your doctor if you have any concerns
- Take a hot shower or bath — as your body cools, your temperature will drop, causing a rise in melatonin to occur
Improve Your Sleep with a New Mattress
Another way to help you get a good night’s sleep during COVID-19 is to have the perfect mattress. Our stores are closed, but we are still open to take orders online. We offer mattresses in a wide variety of brands, sizes, and materials.Choosing the right mattress can be overwhelming, but we can help you find the perfect mattress for your needs. Our mattress buying guide can help you find the perfect mattress for your needs, ensuring that you have a great sleep every night.
How else can I ensure a good night’s sleep?
You’ve learned several great ways to make sure you get a better night’s sleep:
- Drink less caffeine
- Turn off your phone
- Be active
- Stick to a schedule
- Increase the amount of melatonin in your system
- Improve your sleep with a new mattress
During COVID-19, we’ve all got a lot of anxiety and are trying our best to get a good night’s sleep. The more of these tips you can follow, the better!
To learn more about how we can help you find the best mattress, call us today at 888-841 0905 or contact us here.
