Parties, concerts, vacations, fireworks, 9pm sunsets... Summer seems to be one big celebration. Sleep may be the last thing on your mind this time of year. Here are some tips to cool down, wind down, and get some good restful sleep to fuel your summer adventures.
One of the best things you can do to help wind down is to cool down. Cooling down helps your body switch to relaxation mode and is essential to get your body ready to sleep. Optimal sleep temperatures range from 60-68 degrees Fahrenheit. One way to help with this is to take a warm shower before bed. As your body cools post shower, it mimics this vital cooling cycle.
Staying off electronics at least an hour before bed is also helpful if you have trouble sleeping. The blue light from screens tricks our brain into thinking it is still daylight and makes it harder for the body to wind down. Additionally, if you are able to keep electronics out of the bedroom, leaving that space cool and dark, this is also immensely helpful as we aim for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Once you wake, getting outside within an hour of waking can help set your circadian rhythm, allowing you to sleep more soundly through the night. I like to use this time to tend my garden and drink my coffee outside on nice mornings.
What are some things that help you wind down after a long hot day of summer fun?
Comments