Tired? Here Are 6 Ways You’re Sleeping All Wrong

Do you feel like you’re forever chasing those elusive eight hours a night? Or perhaps, you’re getting the recommended amount of sleep and you still feel permanently zonked. Whichever it is, there are a few pretty common mistakes we make when nodding off. Here are six of the big ones – and how to fix them.

Sleeping on your stomach

If you sleep on your stomach, you’ll need to twist your neck and spine to be able to breathe effectively, which can cause damage over time. As well as that it can also cause issues in falling and getting to sleep. The fix? Sleeping in the fetal position is a much safer, and comfier way to get to nod off.

Eating dinner late

Been gorging before bedtime again? Big mistake. Eating before it’s time to drift off can lead to indigestion and heartburn, which will make it mighty hard for you to get some much-needed shut eye. To avoid it, steer clear of food for three hours before you go to bed. Alcohol and caffeine are off-limits too. Soz.

Not winding down before bed

It may seem a tad obvious, but bed is not the place to be productive, yet it seems to be where we churn over all our worries and problems from the day that’s just been, and start planning everything about the one we’re about to wake up to. Instead, you’ll need a proper wind down routine. Meditate, read or take a bath – anything that helps you relax for approximately an hour before you planning on hitting lights out.

Sleeping in synthetic materials

Check the material make-up of your pyjamas and bedding. Many synthetics retain extra heat which can cause a change in body temperature that may wake you up during the night. Instead opt for a natural choice like cotton. See ya later night sweats.

Sleeping beside your phone

So, chances are you already know that you shouldn’t be checking your Twitter feed right before you go to bed, but did you know that sleeping beside your phone can also disrupt your sleep? All those late-night texts, emails and notifications certainly don’t make for a great night’s kip. A better idea? Keep it on silent on the other side of the room. You can check those texts in the morning.

You sleep in on the weekend

Oh, how we love to sleep until midday on a Saturday but it’s likely doing you more harm than good. That’s cos getting some extra hours of snooze on the weekend will throw your regular sleep routine off for the rest of the week. It’ll be tough, but get up and go to bed at the same times you would during the week, if you really want to feel well rested.

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• sleep