Optimizing Sleep: 8 Tips for a Restful Night During Autumn

In celebration of my 62nd year of life, of which I celebrated on September 20th, I have decided to once again post more lifestyle articles, similar to what I did on my first blog, DeDivahDeals.  As a matter of fact, I will be repurposing a lot of the content here on Delblogger so keep an eye out.

In that being said, welcome to the inaugural post of Wellness Wednesday, a recurring mid-week feature dedicated to enhancing your health and wellness. These weekly posts will cover a wide range of topics, often infused with humor and entertainment. Join me as we delve into the world of wellness!

“Optimizing Sleep: 8 Tips for a Restful Night During Autumn”

As autumn settles in, daylight hours grow shorter, casting darkness earlier in the evening. However, this change in daylight doesn’t always translate to better sleep habits. Gone are the days of rising with the sun and working until sunset. If you’re like me, you may often find yourself burning the midnight oil, tackling paperwork, handling bills, blogging, or indulging in late-night TV shows like Perry Mason and The Twilight Zone on METV! 

We all recognize that insufficient sleep impairs our ability to function effectively, whether it’s driving safely, completing daily tasks, or staying attentive at work. So, how can we ensure a better night’s sleep? Here are 8 valuable tips:

1 Dedicate Your Bedroom to Sleep and Relaxation:

Your bedroom should be a sanctuary for rest, relaxation, and intimacy. Keep exercise equipment and office gear out of this space.

2. Choose Soothing Colors:

Opt for calming and relaxing colors like serene blue or tranquil green to create a soothing bedroom environment.

3. Prioritize Comfort:

Wear loose, comfortable clothing or nothing at all. Consider investing in a new mattress and pillow to enhance your comfort. Ensure the room is well-ventilated and slightly cool to promote good breathing during the night.

4. Embrace Total Darkness:

Sleep in complete darkness. Install blackout curtains or use an eye mask if needed to eliminate light disturbances.

5. Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule:

Aim to sleep by 10 pm and wake up at 6 am. These hours align with ideal melatonin secretion patterns.  However, now that I am officially retired, my sleep hours are 12:30 am to 8:30 am because I love sleeping in but getting my 8+ hours of rest.

6. Relax with a Pre-Bedtime Soak or Shower:

Take a hot bath just before bedtime to unwind and reduce stress. Enhance the relaxation with essential oils like lavender or chamomile.  You can also take a nice warm shower using a body wash such as Dr. Teals.

7. Reduce Electronics Exposure:

Banish electronics, including TVs, iPods, laptops, and cell phones, from the bedroom. The only exception is an alarm clock, but turn it away to prevent LED light disruption.

8. Night-Light in the Bathroom:

Keep the bathroom lights off when using it at night. Instead, use a night-light to prevent interference with melatonin production.

Now, let’s engage in a conversation. What are your favorite strategies for achieving a peaceful night’s sleep? Share your tips, and let’s all sleep like babies!

Stay Blessed, and Remember: “No Stress in 2024!”