3. Shut Off the Lights
Back in the day, sunset was the natural signal our ancestors used to hit the hay.
Being modern day humans, we have the luxury of ignoring sunset – sometimes to our detriment. Unfortunately, having on all the lights in the house can trick our bodies into thinking bedtime is still a while away.
And smartphone and computer screens have made things even worse, as we have a tendency to keep them on until it’s lights off. Either shut off the screens an hour before bed or, if you must use them, dim the screen.
4. Watch What You Eat
This common sense rule is still a big hurdle for a lot of folks, especially busy people who tend to eat later in the day.
Remember that even if you have to postpone dinner until later in the day, it’s still best to eat at least one to three hours before it’s time to go to sleep.
Simple carbs are ideal for helping you relax, so keep that in mind as you plan out your meals, and remember to lay off of excessive sugars and carbs right before bedtime. You may also consider drinking a relaxing herbal tea (especially chamomile) just before bedtime if you’re in need of a little extra help unwinding[2].
5. Exercise – But Not Too Late in the Day
Sometimes the body doesn’t want to wind down for one very simple reason – it’s still got tons of energy left that you haven’t used.
Ensuring that you’re getting enough exercise, even if you’re just adding a little extra walking to your routine, can be of big benefit to you in getting to sleep. Just don’t exercise too close to bedtime, as this can have the opposite effect.
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