Nurses know more than almost anyone how amazing it feels to hit the sheets after a long shift. Sadly, all that time running around can make it impossible to shut down enough to catch those so desperately sought-after 40 winks. Sleep deprivation can be devastating for both nurses and their patients. With burnout and depression rates especially high in nurses, finding time to recharge your batteries is crucial. The last thing anyone wants is for anything bad to happen while on the floor. Moreover, nurses that get put on night shifts can have issues getting those circadian rhythms in motion right and have a tendency to start nodding off during the night. Luckily, there are a handful of ways to sleep easier. Below we’ll take a look at some great tips for getting some much-needed shut-eye.
5 Great Ways to Sleep Easier
Soak it Up
Taking a warm bubble bath or shower before bed can help you rewind after a long day. Plus, you’ll feel like you literally are washing the stress of the day away. Also, if you shower before you go to sleep then you won’t have to when you’re running late the following morning. Those crucial extra minutes of sleep might give you exactly what you need to get through the rest of the day. One study even suggests that children and elderly are able to have a more relaxed and longer period of sleep after taking a bath. So grab those rubber duckies and have some tubby time before your snooze cruise and you’ll probably have a better slumber. A nice bath and feeling clean are some of the best ways to sleep easier tonight.
Bare it All
Sleeping in the nude has been said to help people get a better night’s rest. Why? Well, apparently this way you are more able to regulate your comfort. Without clothes, nice sheets and pillows can keep our bodies feeling like Goldilocks—just right. However, if you have roommates that are unaware of what privacy is, you might want to reconsider. If you feel more comfortable sleeping in your jammy jams, go for it. It’s all about finding the perfect balance for you. There are some great ways to sleep easier at night, and sleeping without the constraints of clothes is one of them!
Kill the Lights
Although some of us religiously pass out with Netflix still streaming, the ones who have a hard time sleeping should try to cut the lights a few hours before we plan on going to sleep. Also, put down that tablet. The lights and distraction from the devices will make it super difficult to be able to drift off. Many think that the best way to fall asleep is to unwind by scrolling through Facebook or Instagram. Unfortunately, these type of lights can trigger your brain into still thinking that it’s daytime, which will then make it much harder to fall asleep. If you want your eyes on something, try reading a book before bed. When it comes to the best ways to fall asleep, the less stimulants you have before bed, the better sleep you’ll have.
Make Your Bedroom a Palace
Wanna sleep like royalty in that queen or king sized bed? Then make your bedroom feel like a palace by cleaning it before bed and by investing in nice bedding. If we spend an average of 20 years in bed during our lifetime, you can bet that I’m going to do it right. Also, wash your bedding weekly and make your bed every day. Getting into a made bed in a tidy room makes falling asleep a lot easier. There’s nothing better than sliding under some freshly made sheets before you fall asleep.
Meditate
A large reason why we struggle to fall asleep at night is that although in our hearts we want nothing more than to forget our troubles, our brain doesn’t seem to know when to quit. Stress-relieving exercises such as meditation can do wonders for pushing the daily worries to the side so that you can peacefully embark on your restful journey. You work in a very stressful environment, so it’s important to try to leave your work issues at the door. Meditation is one of the best ways to sleep easier. It’ll give you the chance to ground yourself and to encourage mindfulness.
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