Hi Friend,
So we now hopefully understand the importance of our sleep.
We make rash, not-so-optimal decisions and lose focus and creativity without it!
Now in an ideal world, we would be getting between 6-8 hours of quality sleep in optimum conditions.
Sometimes we may not be able to create these optimal conditions alone, or realistically there may be some nights where I am looking at a screen for longer than desired.
To end this sleep series here are some tools that can help give some quality sleep. Why we sleep by Matthew Walker PhD - Book Recommendation
I listened to the audiobook around 2 years ago and it resonated so much. I had done shift work, long days/nights in front of the computer, never really thinking about my sleeping conditions. The ramifications of poor sleep made me realize I needed to change. This is a great understanding as to why we really need to focus on sleep quality.
Blue light blockers - Whether it's screen protectors with it built-in, blue light blocker glasses, installing 3rd party software such as F.lux to change the screen settings on your device after a certain hour of the day.
Light alarm clocks - Have you ever woken up to the sun rising, instead of a blasting sound. Clocks such as Lumi are designed to slowly introduce warm light into your room. Gradually getting you prepped to wake up naturally.
Optimal Temperature - Ideally around 18.3 degrees. In the summer months keep the room cool by closing blinds during the day, at a fan or air-con, and taking a hot shower will naturally regulate the body's cooling system. In cooler months add a hot water bottle or warmer socks to feet to keep extremities warmer if needed.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol - these stimulants will mess with the bodies natural ability to relax
Darken that room - take out all electronics, turn anything with a standby light off from the wall. If you need to sleep with your phone in the room, turn it screen side down. Cover any external lights coming through windows or under doors. Keep the room as dark as you can.
I'd love to know if this helped you get back into a sleep routine after the holiday break.
Until next week when we delve into the topic of Movement Through March, how to get some more subtle movement into your month.
Cheers, Nikki
Stay curious and remember “We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing” - George Bernard Shaw
If you know someone who could benefit from this blog, please share it with them.