Everyone needs to know how to sleep better for the simple reason that we all have sleep problems from time to time. Stress, illness and young kids all conspire to keep us awake when we should be getting restful, restoring sleep. Exactly how much sleep we need varies from person to person depending on age, sex, occupation, etc. Little kids need the most sleep; the National Sleep Foundation estimates that “By the age of two, most children have spent more time asleep than awake and overall, a child will spend 40 percent of his or her childhood asleep.”
If work keeps you awake, or a tech addiction keeps you looking at tiny screens into the wee hours of the night, we have a solution or two that might make it easier for you to catch some serious Z’s. Knowing what keeps you awake is the first step in getting real sleep help, then of course eliminating it and getting that restful sleep you and your family need.
1. Baby Sleep Postures
There are as many opinions on how baby should sleep as there are babies. To avoid SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) most experts recommend Baby sleep on his back with nothing else in the crib. Eliminate blankets (look for a heavy blanket sleeper instead ), bumper pads, pillows and stuffed animals. Expect your child to spend the majority of his day sleeping, at least for the first six months.
Read Related: The Napster: 17 Reasons a Midday Snooze Can Improve Your Life
2. Getting a Better Night’s Sleep
The steps you take before going to sleep are referred to as “sleep hygiene” and it has nothing to do with cleanliness. When it comes to knowing how to sleep better, it’s important to know that going from awake to asleep isn’t as easy as turning off a switch; it takes some time to get your mind from alert to drowsy. Aroma therapy, warm baths, even a small snack can all help you settle in for the night.
3. Beauty Sleep is a Thing – Get At It
We all need beauty sleep; a good night’s sleep shows in our face with the absence of dark circles. Find a good night moisturizer, practice a little TLC for the tootsies by applying lotion and socks before turning in and wake up to a more beautiful you.
4. Food to Help Babies Sleep Better
You don’t go to bed hungry and to insure you get a good night’s sleep, make sure your kids’ tummies are full too. Even hearty eaters need a snack once in a while. If your child is waking in the night, try a little late night dish of oatmeal or a bottle. Just make sure what the kiddo gets is soothing and low in sugar; the last thing you need is a baby working off a sugar high.
5. Tips on Looking Fresh Even If You’re Not Sleeping Well
If an early morning alarm clock leaves you looking sleep deprived, take heart; we have the solution. There’s truth that a few minutes with cool cucumber slices lying over your eyes will reduce puffiness, but, did you know potato slices work as well. To brighten your skin, try an exfoliate scrub and cool water rinse. Need more help, read on.
6. Knowing How Much Sleep You Really Need
Americans are sleep deprived. Blame work, blame kids, blame late night internet addictions or noisy neighbors, few of us get the sleep we need. Our bodies are designed to need sleep just as we need food. Getting too little sleep can lead to obesity and other health issues. Learn how much sleep you need and how to get good restful sleep for a happier healthier you. Don’t be afraid to seek sleep help—there is no shame in striving for health.
