5 Ways to Adjust Your Sleep Routine to the “New Normal”

The world is facing an unprecedented change in the way we live and work. These changes are far-reaching into our everyday way of life. A year ago, you may have made sure your children got to the bus stop and then driven to work. Now they’re doing virtual schooling and you’re working from your home office. Or perhaps, a year ago you were planning future international trips and now all of that is on hold. Your neighborhood’s club house cancelled your favorite events, your housekeeper wears a mask, your meetings are held over Zoom, you cannot meet friends at your favorite restaurant, and your family members haven’t visited in months. This year is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before!

With changes to our routines and uncertainty that surrounds the future, your overall health and well-being can suffer. This includes your much-needed sleep! Here’s what you need to do:

#1 Create a routine and stick to it. A bedtime routine isn’t just for kids! While your daily schedule may be quite altered from where it was this time last year, it’s important to keep your night time routine as consistent as possible. That means having a routine that you perform the same way each night prior to bed. This can be whatever works for you that you also enjoy. Some people like to end the evening with a bubble bath and reading a book in bed. For others, 30 minutes of yoga and a cup of green tea is ideal. Find a calming, soothing routine that fits you well. Just make sure it ends with you climbing into a comfortable, supportive bed!

#2 Turn your bedroom into a sleep oasis. This brings us to our next point. You want to create a space where your brain automatically begins to relax and calm down once you’re in the bedroom environment. You relax, recharge, and sleep here, so of course you want it to be great. It doesn’t take much to create a feeling of relaxation. By including a luxury mattress, combining rich colors and tactile textures, adding a few well-placed accessories, and keeping any sort of clutter to a minimum, you will have your room just the way you like it. Beyond a new premium mattress, luxury pillows, sheets, and even an adjustable bed base may be needed to create the perfect bed for you. Luckily, PranaSleep has everything you need to turn your bed into the sleep oasis of your dreams!

#3 Disconnect each night. Be sure your nightly routine involves disconnecting from electronic devices and screens for 30 to 60 minutes prior to bed. Even before this pandemic, screen time negatively affected your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Now, this is even more detrimental- especially if your screen time involves the news or social media that negatively affects your mental health. There’s no need to see concerning news stories or read posts that upset you right before bed. You’ll be laying there thinking about it instead of allowing your mind to gently drift off to sleep!

#4 Get physical activity every day. Regular activity is incredibly important for your physical, mental, and spiritual health. Be sure you do at least one physical activity every day, whether it’s taking a walk, going to spin class, yoga, jogging, or any other exercise you enjoy. It’s important that you choose a form of exercise that you like! If you do, it increases serotonin levels, leading to improved mood and a boost in energy. If you enjoy doing it, you’ll find the time. At night, you’ll fall asleep easier because your body will be tired.

#5 Know when to ask for help. Your body needs rest and rejuvenation, not only for you but so you can be there for others. Have you ever heard the saying “You can’t pour from an empty cup?” This refers to the fact that you can’t give to others, like your children, spouse, coworkers, and important people in your life, if you are too tired, too sick, or too worn down. The consequences of not following these pieces of advice and letting yourself become worn down include low energy, feeling hopeless, strain or distancing in your relationships, reduced performance at work, and having less patience with those around you. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary in order to be the best person you can be! If the disruptions in your life have worsened to the point it’s affecting your daytime performance, mood, and overall ability to function, consider reaching out to your physician for help. Most healthcare providers are providing telehealth appointments which allow you to see a provider from the comfort of your own home and avoid the risk of exposure to others that may be sick.

Sleep is a big part of your health and well-being, and it’s one you absolutely need to get right in order for the other pieces to fall into place. Sleep is incredibly important for overall health and well-being. It also plays an important role in immune function, because your body is hard at work repairing itself and fighting off illness as you slumber. There’s no better time to ensure you’re sleeping soundly than right now. Sleeping on a premium mattress is a great way to focus on your much needed rest and rejuvenation! 

Your health and overall wellness should be a top priority. There are few things more important than getting a good night’s sleep! PranaSleep offers you many options in order to make this happen. If your bed isn’t providing you the comfort and support you need then it is time to invest in a new premium mattress. PranaSleep has a luxury mattress for you, no matter what your sleep needs and comfort desires are. Shop our website or visit a retail partner and find your favorite!