I’ve never been a great sleeper.
As I get closer to 40, I notice it more. A bad night hits harder than it used to. So I’ve put a few habits in place, and they’ve made a big difference for me.
We all know how a lack of sleep can affect our energy. It can affect your appetite too. One review found that after a short night, people ate about 385 more calories the next day. So on days you sleep less, it’s normal to feel hungrier.
Sleep experts recommend at least 7 hours a night for adults. Here are some strategies that might help:
Bedtime
Not “around 10.” A set time every night, even on weekends.
Close loops
Use the last 30 minutes of your day. Write tomorrow’s to-do list. Answer that text. Lay out your clothes.
Cold room
Keep it dark, too. Most people sleep best around 60 to 67 degrees.
Phone away
Screens keep your brain switched on. Charge it outside the bedroom.
Stop caffeine
Have your last cup by early afternoon. It stays in your system for hours.
Wake-up time
Keep it the same every day. Get some daylight early.
The clocks change on November 1, so this is a good week to start. Pick one or two of these, not all six.
There are few better feelings than a good night’s sleep. You deserve more of those mornings.
James Pratt