The Sleep Genius sleep app can be a real life saver for those who can’t always get their sleep according to a regular schedule. Here’s a recent comment that came through our inbox:
“Finally I can sleep well when I work late nights an overnights- signed an ER Doc”
But for those who can, keeping a regular sleep schedule is one of the most important things you can do to help get your brain ready for sleep.
The Power of Habit
Our brains are creatures of habit. Have you ever noticed that you crave coffee when you wake up or that you start feeling peckish at about 10:30am every day. That’s part body chemistry and part engrained habit.
In the same way that you can get your body to expect exercise by keeping a routine, you can train your brain to get ready for sleep by choosing a regular bedtime and sticking to it.
What’s Your Sleep Time?
Choose a time when you naturally begin to feel tired so you can avoid tossing and turning in bed—not too soon or too late after your evening meal.
Write this time down and then keep to that routine, no matter what temptations arise—friendly invitations to go out, movies on TV, lunar eclipses!
In subsequent posts we’ll talk further about building a sleep routine. But writing down your target sleep time and then sticking to it can pay huge dividends down the road in helping you get to sleep more peacefully.
Next time: Things to avoid as you get ready for bed…
