5 Tips for Better Sleep

Living a healthy and active life has always been really important to me, but there is one area that I have always wanted to improve. Trying to get more sleep has been on my agenda for years, but with lots of babies and little ones, it was a struggle. I decided I was really going to make it a priority, because I know when you get a good night’s sleep, you can do anything. Today I’m sharing 5 Tips For Better Sleep…and I’d love to hear if you have any more to add to the list!

A huge thanks to Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are 100% mine. Affiliate links of the products I use and love are included for your convenience. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

1. A comfy bed

Being comfortable in your bed is absolutely essential to getting a good night’s sleep. For me that means great sheets and my favorite mattress pad ever. I LOVE the Snap ‘n Wash Mattress Pad by Better Homes & Gardens. I started out by putting it on my guest bed a couple of years ago, and then slowly they’ve made their way through our home. Everyone loves them! It’s like adding a pillowtop to your mattress…it’s soft and cozy, and you just melt into it. Plus, the snaps make it a breeze to take off and wash, which is a huge plus! We have an older mattress (a new one is on the list…), and this mattress pad makes such a huge difference.

I also tried Better Homes & Gardens’ organic sheets, and they’re a new favorite. I used to think that you had to have a super high thread count in order to have comfy sheets, but I’ve learned that’s just not the case. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get great sheets!

This is the before shot…when I’m getting ready to make my bed.

And the lovely mattress pad…you can see the coziness, but I sure wish you could feel it!

On go the sheets…

I put my coziest blankets on top of the sheets, then my bedding.

I also want to show you the most darling nightstands I just got for our room when I was buying our new sheets. I’ve been wanting white ones forever, and when I saw these, I just had to get them. I love the space below the drawer that’s just perfect for cute baskets–they’re functional and adorable! The black metal pull ties in perfectly with our iron bed, and gives a little contrast.

And since I loved the smaller rectangular baskets so much, I got the larger, round version too! It’s just the right size to hold blankets next to my bed, so they’re ready when I need them.

My room is ready…I’m on my way to getting a good night’s sleep!

2. Get regular exercise…early in the day

Regular exercise is one of the best ways to help you sleep. It helps if can exercise early in the day, or at least several hours before bed, due to its stimulatory effects. This isn’t the case for everyone, but it’s something to pay attention to, in case you are being affected by it. I know this is true for me. When I exercise at night, I’m always awake longer, and I’m up later. Sometimes exercise at night is the best I can do, but I really try and fit it in as early as possible.

3. Wake and sleep at consistent times…

Being consistent with your sleep times can really affect your long-term sleep quality, and help’s regulate your body’s clock. This is so tricky on the weekends, because I’m always tempted to sleep in longer (my husband and I take turns), but when I do, I usually don’t feel as rested as I think I’m going to.

4. Don’t take long daytime naps

Studies say that naps longer than 30 minutes can actually negatively impact you. It can confuse your body’s clock, making it more difficult to sleep at night. This is totally me. If I nap, I can’t go to sleep at night, and it starts a terrible cycle. I haven’t learned how to power nap yet, but I think I want to try it!

5. Find a relaxing bedtime routine

This is different for everyone, but some ideas are reading, taking a bath, or listening to relaxing music. I know that I have to put my laptop away, and stop thinking about all the things I need to do!

For me it comes down to making sleep a priority, and realizing how much it does affect my overall health. There will be times when I have to stay up late–when I need to get something done, or a child needs me, but I’m ready get better sleep!