Everyone sleeps, but what is meant by the term sleep hygiene? It doesn’t actually have much to do with cleanliness, but it actually refers to having good habits and routines to help you get good quality sleep.
Having good sleep hygiene can be beneficial to your immune system, your energy levels and your mental wellbeing so it is definitely an important thing to be aware of. So how do you improve your sleep hygiene?
One of the most important things to do when developing good sleeping habits is to be consistent. When you go to bed and wake up around the same time it helps to set an internal clock for your body to follow so your body learns to relax at a certain time and wake up at a certain time so you will feel more refreshed.
Getting into good habits before bedtime helps to let the brain know that it is time to settle down for sleep. A warm bath, a warm drink (not something with caffeine in it!) and no screens can help to settle the mind and prepare it for rest.
Your bedroom also plays a big role as the environment that you sleep in affects sleep quality. If you have a very messy or cluttered room, look for ways to improve it – have a clear out or improve your storage. Underbed storage and bespoke fitted wardrobes can make a big difference.
You also should ensure that the room is a suitable temperature – not too hot or not too cold. 18°C is around the ideal temperature for comfortable sleep.