We all know that better quality sleep results in greater energy levels, better concentration, and higher rates of productivity, but when you’re busy and stressed it could be difficult to make sure you get more of it. Follow our top tips below to make sleep a priority and find out how it can help you get more out of your day.
- Steer clear of screens
Try to avoid blue-light emitting screens such as laptops or smartphones about an hour before you plan to go to bed. Many experts believe this type of light can inhibit the production of melatonin, a key factor in preparing the body for sleep. As well as extending the amount of time it may take you to fall asleep, some studies have even shown it to decrease the quality of sleep itself, via reduced levels of restorative REM.
- Use a sleep tracking alarm clock
If you are often left feeling lethargic, even after seemingly long hours in bed, you may be waking during the wrong phase of sleep. Sleep tracking alarm clocks such as Sleep Cycle will measure these throughout the night and the alarm will only wake you in the lightest sleep phase, allowing you to wake up feeling rested and ready for the day.
- Eat early
Make sure you eat your evening meal several hours before you plan to go to sleep to give your body sufficient time to effectively digest your food, particularly if you have eaten a heavy meal. On the other hand, don’t go to bed on an empty stomach as you will find it harder to fall (and stay) asleep, and your body still needs energy for all the restorative work it is doing while you rest.
- Invest in a comfortable mattress
You spend around a third of your life asleep, so why not make it as comfortable as possible! Choose a good quality mattress that suits your particular needs – it will be worth the investment to help promote restful sleep and support the rest of your body to help avoid chronic problems down the line.
- Don’t work late at night
When you have a heavy workload it can be tempting to think that staying up late to continue working would help you get ahead, but this could actually result in you being less productive. It will be harder to switch off and fall into a restful sleep, resulting in lethargy and exhaustion the following day that will hit your productivity levels. There is nothing wrong with hard work, but make sure you know your limits and walk away from any work at least a good couple of hours before bed.
When you want to get the most out of your day, you need to be sure that you have reliable ground transportation that will get you where you need to be with minimal hassle, allowing you to arrive feeling relaxed and refreshed just like after a great night’s sleep. Our dependable Chicago car service is the perfect choice – our professional chauffeurs will ensure your transport is smooth and stress-free, wherever your travels take you.
