If you’re sleeping but not feeling rested, you have a big problem. Why? Because lack of sleep, even just an hour, can lead to impaired memory, lower levels of alertness, increased risk of accidents and injuries, trouble concentrating, a higher risk of certain diseases and stress that spills over into relationships and at work.
If you’re struggling with how to feel more rested, it’s time to try something new to help you get the sleep you need each night. If you never feel rested, one of these issues could be to blame.
You’re On Your Phone at Bedtime
If you’re not getting restful sleep, your smartphone or tablet could be the culprit. The blue light emitted by these devices lowers your level of melatonin, a hormone that helps you fall asleep. Without enough melatonin at bedtime, you may have a hard time drifting off to sleep.
Experts suggest powering down about an hour before you plan to go to bed. You might also try sleep patches to regulate your melatonin levels. Find them at https://www.patchmd.com/sleep-patches.html.
Your Diet Could be to Blame
Do you feel tired at certain points throughout the day, even if you got enough sleep the night before? Perhaps the problem lies in what you’re doing during your waking hours, rather than your nighttime habits. Eating the wrong foods can lead to a surge in energy, then a dramatic drop that will leave you sluggish and depleted.
Instead of simple fixes like soda, simple carbs or a sweet treat, focus on foods that give you protein and fiber, which stave on hunger and provide long-lasting energy. Fruits, vegetables, eggs, nuts, seeds, beans, and whole grains are ideal choices.
You Never Feel Rested Because You Have an Inconsistent Bedtime
Ideally, you should be going to bed and getting up at the same times each night. If you’re asking why do I never feel rested, start by regulating your sleep habits. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock, which tells you when it’s time to sleep and when it’s time to get up. Stick to your schedule, even on the weekend, for better rest every night.
You Drink Before You Sleep
One of the reasons you never feel rested after sleep may lie in your evening drinking habits. Alcohol can certainly help you fall asleep, but you won’t get the restorative sleep your body needs to feel well rested the next day. It can also have you up several times during the night to use the bathroom since alcohol is a diuretic. Stick to one drink and be sure you finish it about 2 hours before bedtime.
Your Sleep Conditions Are Off
A comfortable sleeping environment is imperative for good sleep. That means you need a mattress that is supportive, but soft. Your bedroom should be kept at a cool temperature – 60 to 67 degrees is perfect.
In addition, you can use a sleep mask to keep outside light from keeping you up and a white noise machine to block excess noise. Earplugs can also help, particularly if your sleeping partner snores.
Tackle the Cause
If you never feel rested even though you think you spend enough time in bed and asleep. Work out the cause and tackle it. It may be one of the above-mentioned reasons or something different, but it is in your best interest to work it out. Getting sufficient sleep is essential for you to be at your best every day.
If you are interested in bettering your health or learning more about the human body, there are some fascinating articles to feed your mind on Curiosity Human.
