Tired of the same old sleep tips? We get it, you desperately need some better tips for good sleep. As sleep aficionados, we’ve gathered 5 unique tips for bedtime that don’t involve counting sheep.
Holiday season is coming, and every wellness brand on the planet is touting the benefits of good sleep, along with the same 3-7 sleep tips. But you don’t need to be told to lower the lights or stop scrolling— you need some up-to-the-minute sleep science that you didn’t already know. Trust us, these are sleep tips you haven’t heard before. Below, find some unique, new, and sometimes surprising ways to help your body get into rest mode, so you can make your holidays bright (and early).
Light sleeper
Yeah, yeah. You already know that dimming the lights before bed increases your production of Melatonin. But did you know that that extends to small digital lights like the light from your alarm clock? Yup, it’s that extreme. According to sleep expert Dr. Carleara Weiss, Ph.D., M.S., R.N.:
“Any type of light inside the bedroom coming from electronic devices can affect Melatonin and glucose levels (which can actually make you hungry right before bed). This includes such harmless-seeming emissions as the tiny light on your A/C or the light from a digital alarm clock. To mitigate this, you can cover the device with a blanket or put some tape over smaller lights from electronics.”
Essential oils
Who knew your nose could help you sleep? According to Medical News Today:
“Experts believe that when a person inhales essential oils, the molecules attach to the olfactory bulb in the nose. From here, the molecules transmit signals to parts of the brain involved in emotional and behavioral responses. These areas then release neurotransmitters that induce an emotional or behavioral effect.”
(Like sleep.)
Our favorites? Lavender obviously works for its soothing properties, but don’t underestimate the power of chamomile, ylang ylang, and sandalwood.
Not-so-nervous system
This simple exercise has benefits for your nervous system, which can help your body to relax into sleep. Lay down with your hips up against the wall and your legs reaching straight up the wall. Your body should be in an “L” position. This allows blood to flow in the opposite direction, grounding your nervous system for a deep, restful sleep.
Breathwork
Ever forget to breathe? Us too. The holidays can be a time of maximum stress and minimal inhale-exhale. But your lack of deep breathing may be keeping you awake. According to The Sleep Foundation, “the leading source for evidence-based, medically reviewed sleep health information and in-depth product testing”:
“Belly breathing, also known as abdominal or diaphragmatic breathing, is an exercise that encourages slower and more relaxed breaths.”
These can lead to a chilled-out nervous system, which can help ease you into sleep. Here’s how to do it:
“Sit or lie down in a comfortable position with one hand on your chest and the other on your belly, slightly above your belly button.
Take a deep breath through your nose, ensuring that the hand on your chest stays still while the one on your belly rises with your breath.
As you exhale, allow the hand on your belly to slowly fall.
Count each breath, feeling your hand rise and fall while breathing with only your diaphragm. After 20 belly breaths, relax and breathe normally.”
Dream Powder for sleep
Last but not least, Dream Powder for sleep, with powerful natural ingredients like Nano Hemp, Reishi, Magnesium, L-Theanine, and Melatonin, has taken the sleep world by storm. This year, Dream Powder was chosen by The Sleep Foundation as one of the top Melatonin Supplements of 2022. It has fans ranging from tired parents to overworked entrepreneurs to CrossFit athletes. In fact, 5x Fittest Man on Earth Mat Fraser says, of Dream:
"I pack my days with uppers, like espresso and pre-workout, and a cup of Dream Powder before bed is exactly what I need to help coax me to sleep."
Consumed one too many Peppermint Mocha Lattes? Counteract the caffeine with a cup of Dream Powder. Happy holidays!
Get the sleep you need this holiday season:
