Create Healthy Sleep Hygiene And Reduce Anxiety
Throughout my experience with working with clients, a common correlation can be found between those who struggle with anxiety and also have poor sleep patterns. And you guys, we all know that when your body can’t rest properly at night, it makes the days soooo much more difficult.
That’s why I created this special guide to help you learn about creating a sleep sanctuary to get higher quality sleep! Download it HERE!
I’m sure we can all relate to laying down at night to go to bed, pulling the covers up close and then BOOM, your mind starts racing. It’s like when the noise around you gets quiet, the to-do list seems to be at the forefront of the mind.
It’s important for everyone to get a good night’s sleep. ESPECIALLY your kids during the school year. Sometimes when our kids aren’t sleeping the way they should they could be experiencing anxiety inducing situations at school that we don’t realize. In today’s world of lockdown drills and emphasis on test scores, it’s easy to see how our children, even the younger children, could be affected by the anxiety.
Ideal Sleep
According to the National Sleep Foundation, the average amount of sleep an adult should be getting every night is between 7-9 hours. Most people don’t realize that even though you set your alarm and are laying down in bed 8 hours before it’s set to go off, doesn’t mean you’re getting a full 8 hours of sleep. Depending on a number of other factors, including anxiety, you may actually only sleep about 4-6 of those 8 hours. You need to create a healthy sleep routine in order to get enough shut-eye and be well rested for the next day.
It’s even more important to have a healthy bedtime routine for kids. This routine can include teeth brushing, story time, snuggling, or whatever it is you need to do to get your kids into a calm space before bed. You should also limit the use of electronics for a few hours leading up to this routine. Doing this routine daily will help your child to relax and sleep better. Essential oils are a great way to help you and your children relax while going to sleep.
Sleep Hygiene
No, this isn’t cleaning your sheets before you sneak under the covers, although we all know how good it feels to get into bed with crisp linen! Sleep hygiene just refers to the best practices that a person can do to improve their quality of sleep. Please read these carefully and check out my free cheat sheet for more details, you will improve your sleep in no time:
Exercise
It’s important to do routine exercise throughout the day can help regulate hormones and make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Avoid extensive workouts prior to bed or late at night as this will have the opposite effect you’re looking for. The exercise doesn’t have to be vigorous or intense, it can even be brisk walking for about 30 minutes per day which is good for settling your nerves as well. Find what form of movement makes you feel the best and will be sustainable for you and do that! Even better get a workout buddy, nothing says staying on track like positive peer pressure.
Caffeine and Sugar
Be mindful of the amount of caffeine you’re drinking or eating. Yes, eating. Chocolate and ice cream contain caffeine which is a stimulant and can get your mind all energized like a sugar rush.
Sugar should be eaten in moderation and not close to bed. It wouldn’t be recommended to have a bowl of chocolate ice cream before bed and then go lay down. In fact, most research indicates limiting any form of caffeine after 1:00pm to avoid affecting your sleep. Skip that afternoon coffee or bedtime chocolate treat. It could make for a rough night.
Screen Time
There is a particular light that is emitted from electronic devices like your TV, smart phone, or tablet that make the brain excited, called Blue Light. Without getting to sciency, blue light rays are the shortest wavelength, but have the highest energy. This light suppresses the production of melatonin, a critical hormone that helps to control daily sleep and wake cycles.
Most people tend to scroll on their phone while they are in bed or watch tv, but this can definitely disrupt your sleep patterns as it stimulates the brain. Best case scenario, no TV in your room, and if you use electronics at night limit your exposure to at least one hour before bed. If you have to do work or something on electronics before bed, you can get some cheap blue light blocking glasses to help!
Anxiety + Depression = Poor Sleep
Research has shown a link between anxiety and sleep and it’s similar to the saying “What comes first, the chicken or the egg”. There have been studies that have shown anxiety causes restlessness and trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. Where other studies have shown that not getting enough sleep causes anxiety as well. It’s quite honestly a vicious cycle! If you find yourself in this pattern of not enough sleep and anxiety symptoms have you on edge, you’re not alone.
Like anxiety, there are people with depression who also are unable to get quality sleep. Many clients that I’ve worked with have had a combination of depression and anxiety which makes them feel all the more overwhelmed. Check out my FREE guide to help you improve your depression and anxiety symptoms by getting a better-quality sleep. To download this free guide, click the button below. And definitely let me know what you think of it and how it is helping.
BUTTON
Everyone has that family member or friend who could really use this information to help them, so be sure to share the love and forward this article to them! After you download this freebie, the 5 Steps to Reducing Your Anxiety & Depression with Healthy Sleep, be sure to share with me how you’re doing. I would love to get your input!
Those of you who are new here, if you aren’t already, be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest (links at bottom of page) so you can stay up to date on what’s going on. To receive weekly updates, you can register by clicking here.
Stay Tuned!
Shelby
