For something that is so important, a good night’s sleep can be very difficult to achieve. However, no matter how challenging it can seem, you are not doomed to tossing and turning just to wake up poorly-rested. Consider these minor changes to your lifestyle that could have a huge impact on your quality of sleep.

1 – Routine

Surely you have heard this before, but its importance cannot be overstated: create a sleeping schedule and stick to it. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. Your body’s circadian rhythm will appreciate consistent reinforcement, and eventually going to sleep and waking up will become easy-peasy. Try to limit the difference between weekdays and weekends to one hour. If you struggle to go to sleep on time, get out of bed and try to do something relaxing.

2 – Food and Drink

To avoid bedtime discomfort, keep an eye on what you eat and drink. Avoid heavy or large meals within a few hours of bedtime. Try to moderate your consumption of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. While alcohol can make you sleepy, all three have stimulating effects that ultimately affect the quality of your sleep.

3 – Restful Environment

Make your bedroom ideal for sleeping. Try to dim the lights towards bedtime and turn off screens if possible. Ensure the room is cool enough, dark enough, and quiet enough to suit your needs. You may have personal needs, like certain scents or textures you find pleasing. Down pillows are extremely gentle and it is also agood idea to do some reading on quality sheets and the truth about thread count. It might also help to do something relaxing like take a bath, read, or do some gentle exercise before you sleep.

4 – Regular Exercise

Including some physical activity can do wonders for your sleeping pattern, as well as your overall sense of wellbeing. It can reduce stress and keep you fit, as well as help you get to sleep in the evening. Try not to overdo it to avoid napping in the daytime. Also, keep in mind that exercise can be stimulating and might keep you up if done too close to bedtime.

5 – Stress Management

Trying to get to sleep at a reasonable time can be frustrating enough without daily worries crowding your brain. Try to resolve these before bedtime by starting with the basics. Get organized, prioritize, and make a to-do list. This way you can set things aside without losing track of what’s important. Meditation can help ease anxiety – but if sitting in a lotus position doesn’t sound comfortable or you are worried you don’t know how to meditate, there is plenty of help available on line, covering everything from meditation accessories, to a variety of relaxing exercises.

With this tips to hand, you’ll be enjoying sweet dreams before you know it!