Last month, I shared 10 ways that sleep can impact our overall wellbeing and ability to manage stress - if you missed it, you can watch my short whiteboard animation video on Youtube here:
So in today's edition of Refuel Your Fire, I want us to take a closer look at the common barriers that can be getting in the way of us being able to get a good night's sleep.
Here are 10 common barriers to better sleep:
Screen Time Before Bed: Exposure to screens (phones, tablets, computers) before bedtime can disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake cycle due to the blue light emitted.
Irregular Sleep Schedule: Inconsistent sleep patterns can disrupt the body's internal clock, making it challenging to fall asleep and wake up at the desired times.
Caffeine and Stimulant Consumption: Consuming caffeine or stimulants close to bedtime can interfere with the ability to fall asleep.
Stress and Anxiety: Mental stress and anxiety can lead to racing thoughts, making it difficult to relax and fall asleep.
Uncomfortable Sleep Environment: An uncomfortable mattress, pillows, or an excessively warm or cool room can disrupt sleep.
Lack of Physical Activity: Sedentary lifestyles can contribute to poor sleep quality.
Excessive Napping: Long or irregular daytime napping can interfere with nighttime sleep.
Unhealthy Eating Habits: Consuming heavy or spicy meals close to bedtime can cause discomfort and indigestion.
Noise and Light Disturbances: External noise or excessive light in the bedroom can disrupt sleep.
Alcohol Consumption: While alcohol may initially induce drowsiness, it can lead to disrupted sleep patterns.
Which barriers resonate with you the most? Is there something else that is making it hard for you to wake up feeling well-rested? Share in the comments!
Next week we'll be taking a look at how to establish healthy habits to improve your sleep quality.
Until then, wishing you happiness and health!
Loz xo
Relevant Links:
This article is an extract from the most recent episode of my podcast "Refuel Your Fire". To listen to the full episode or access the transcript and explore proven sleep hacks and strategies to enhance your sleep quality, head to my Substack post here.
Looking for science-based fitness guidance, career coaching and self-care strategies? Explore our products, including free workouts and group training opportunities along with special offers to unlock a healthier more empowered you. Visit www.thecheatsheets.co to find out more.
To learn more about me and the work I do, visit my website: https://www.laurenkress.com