Celebrate National Sleep Awareness Week

Are you one of millions of Americans suffering from lack of sleep? Whether you are simply not getting enough sleep or if you’re not getting quality sleep, you wake up feeling tired and reaching for that double espresso to get your day started. While you should always consult your doctor for any health concerns, we can help you get started on forming a better bedtime routine so you can get a better night’s sleep.

Routine, Routine, Routine!

Staying on a routine is so important for everyone, not just your children! It helps your body and mind know what to expect, and that can help improve the quality of your sleep over time. Choose the same bedtime for every night of the week. No more staying up late on Friday nights and sleeping in on Saturday mornings. Doing this disrupts your sleep cycle and it will make it even harder to get up Monday morning in time for work or school.

Move Electronics Out of the Bedroom

If you are addicted to your phone, computer, or television, now is the time to kick the habit. Electronic devices give off a “blue light” that can disrupt the body’s natural sleep cycle. American’s are more plugged in than ever before, and it shows in the rising number of sleep problems people experience. So unplug! Read a book, play games with the kids, clean the house, work on crafts, or work on other projects around the home at least an hour before bed to help keep you on track. Place a charging station in the living room for your tablets and phones so you aren’t tempted to bring them into the bedroom.

Only Use the Bed for Sleep

This is one of the hardest rules to follow, especially for children and teenagers who spend a lot of time in the bedroom.  When you go to bed, your mind should know exactly what is to take place, and that is not reading a book, watching a movie, or jumping up and down. Even if you have to place a chair in the corner, keep off the bed until you are ready to shut your eyes.

Get Rid of Clutter

Let’s get the root of the problem – or all evil for the super organized – clutter. At its core, clutter is simply procrastination. It’s the pile of clean clothes sitting on the dresser, the unmade bed, the overflowing clothes hamper, and other chores that are left undone. This does nothing but upset you as you crawl into bed at night, and it takes your focus away from a good nights sleep. This amounts to two things: keep the items in your bedroom at a minimum, and keep what you do have in your bedroom neat and tidy.  Organize-It offers tons of products to organize bedroom clutter!

Clear Your Mind

Does your mind race when you turn off the lights? Decluttering your mind is as important as decluttering the bedroom. There are a couple of different methods you can try, depending on what works the best for you. Are you worried about events happening in your life? Try writing in a journal. Write down your thoughts, worries, and feelings so you can release them onto paper rather than let them run rampant through your mind when you’re trying to fall asleep.

Are you worried about what you need to do tomorrow? Create a to-do list before bed so you don’t forget about a thing in the morning, but you can forget about it before bedtime! Not a writer? Meditation may sound silly, but the practice goes back thousands of years and it helps people find peace within themselves. This in turn can help you find a peaceful sleep. Whatever works for you, make sure your mind is in the right space to get some much-needed sleep.

Accessorize Your Bed

Create a comfortable place to rest your head. Whether you need to replace your mattress, choose a different pillow (or two), or add a down comforter, make sure you literally create a cozy nest for you and your partner. Whether you prefer a hard mattress or pillows so thick you need a map to find your way out, make sure your body is as comfortable as possible.

You are not alone in the struggle against sleep deprivation. The good news is there are lots of things you can do at home to get a better night’s sleep, which will give you more energy and motivation to do the things that matter in your waking hours.