5 Bedtime Habits You Need to Break Now

5 Bedtime Habits You Need to Break

Sleep is often the unsung hero of all health-giving practices. Sure, we all know that eating healthy and exercise is great for our bodies and minds. But do we prioritise sleep in the same way? Indeed, many of us are guilty of pushing quality sleep to the side-lines. We come up with all sorts of justifications such as not having the time or even not needing to sleep. However, by giving good sleep a wide birth you’re just building up problems for the future.  Indeed, sleep is just as important as exercise and food and it’s about time you gave it the leg room it deserves. We’ve compiled a list of 5 bedtime habits that you need to kick to the kerb for the benefit of your sleep.

Bedtime Habits to Break #1: Cut down on Technology Before Bed

If there is just one of the bedtime habits that you absolutely have to break, it is the habit of using technology on a night. Sure, scrolling through your socials on a night can feel like a great way to unwind. However, quite the opposite is true as you’re giving your mind ammunition to go into overdrive We know it’s hard to put away that phone at least two hours before bed but trust us your sleep will thank you for it.

Bedtime Habits to Break #2: Cut Down on Caffeine

If you’re partial to a cup of tea or coffee before bed then it’s high time you gave some thought to your bedtime drink. Indeed, caffeine is a well-known stimulant which is great in the morning but not on the night. If the idea of giving up your favourite brew before bedtime makes you feel like you’re missing out, you can always switch to caffeine-free alternatives.

Bedtime Habits to Break #3: Lack of Routine

If you’re the type of person who slopes off to bed at all hours then we hate to tell you but this is another one of our top bedtime habits that you need to ditch. The human body thrives of routine and that also applies to sleeping and waking times.  You should aim to go to bed and wake up every day at the same time and yes that does include weekends!

Bedtime Habits to Break #4: Nip the Night Caps in the Bud

Having your favourite tipple before you hit the sack can seem like the perfect way to chill out. But we’re sorry to tell you that drinking before bedtime is bad news. There are numerous studies that prove that whilst alcohol may make you feel relaxed you're cutting down your chances of a great kip.  To break this habit you could always try fooling your own mind with an alcohol free alternative such a zero alcohol beer.  Plus, you won’t get any nasty hangovers to boot!

Bedtime Habits to Break #5: Building Up a Sweat

Before your mind starts wandering, we’re talking about trying not to exercise before bedtime. What? But surely exercise is good for sleep. Well of course exercise is great, and we should all try and do more. However,  if you get your heart racing just before you intend to go to sleep then you’ll probably find it nigh on impossible.  Therefore, we recommend always trying to exercise as early in the day as possible. You could always set your alarm an hour early and exercise before you start your day!