Are you trying everything you can to get a good night’s sleep but still waking up feeling like a zombie? It sucks, but you’re not alone. Many people (even those who try to get 8 hours a night) wake up feeling like they’ve barely slept at all, and there are a few reasons why this could be.
If you’re tired of feeling tired and ready to make some changes, consider whether or not the following reasons might be contributing to a poor night’s rest and leaving you feeling drained all day long.
Your Bed Isn’t Right
The sad truth is, you might need to splurge a little if you want to sleep well because apparently, proper rest doesn’t come cheap. If your mattress and pillows are old, worn or even just not suited to you, they might be ruining your sleep.
Look into getting some new sleeping equipment – even fresh, comfortable linen and blankets can make a difference.
Fussy sleepers or people who struggle with back pain can look into an organic latex mattress – these go highly recommended by orthopaedic specialists and chiropractors, so you know it’s a safe bet for your back health.
Your Bedroom Isn’t Relaxing
Your bedroom should be nothing short of a sleep sanctuary, which means no work, no television, nothing but relaxation and rest. If you work from your bedroom, check emails, use your phone, watch TV or do other stimulating activities in there, it can be tough for your brain to know it needs to switch off when you dive under the covers.
Your body is a clever thing and will adapt to the environments and situations it’s placed in. This means that if your bedroom is a place of work, your mind and body will go into work mode whenever you’re in there.
Try moving all work (and other electronics) from your sleeping area and see if that helps.
You’re Not Going To Bed Early Enough
People place a lot of emphasis on their morning routine, but going to bed early is the first step in setting yourself up for a good day. If you know that it takes you a while to fall asleep, try to counter this by getting into bed earlier than normal.
Set yourself up with a relaxing nighttime routine – have a warm cup of tea, dim the lights, read a book and get ready to sleep at least an hour before it’s time to actually do so.
You’re Using Social Media Before Bed
If you spend your last waking hours scrolling on Instagram and TikTok, there’s a strong chance you’re going to wake up feeling groggy and unrested. This is one of many reasons to ditch your phone before bed.
Even if using social media doesn’t buzz your brain and keep you awake for hours past your bedtime, the stimulation can still impact your sleep, since your mind won’t be completely switched off even when you’re asleep. Turn off your phone and leave it in another room at least an hour before you get into bed.
