Sleep Like a Superhero
Slay the sleep game. Save the world.
by ASHLYN UNDERWOOD ★ OCT. 26, 2017
Although a good night's sleep is a necessity, it's rarely attained throughout an average college girl's life. This is the cold hard truth. Sleep tends to take a back seat in the presence of studying, social life, extracurricular activities and, of course, Netflix. But it shouldn't, because the most powerful weapon for success is SLEEP.
Follow these tips and tricks to sleep like a superhero, so you can kick ass during the day.
Kill the noise
Earplugs are an essential sleep accessory. They can block out noise and help you have the best sleep possible. You can find these beauties at any drugstore, but it’s important to know which ones to look for. The most comfortable noise-cancelling earplugs are made of wax or silicone. They easily mold to your ear and won’t fall out during the night. Before putting them in and calling it a night, try listening to a Spotify sleep or spa playlist to help you relax.
Sniff out sleep
Aromatherapy is a great weapon against the classic case of insomnia. The use of aromatherapy is proven to help you relax and destress before bed. All you need is a mini diffuser and some essential oils, such as lavender or eucalyptus, and you're all set. After adding some water, the diffuser will produce a scented vapor that will leave your room smelling like a spa. These sleep essentials are super cheap at Target, Bed Bath and Beyond or online on Amazon.
Shut down the screen
Another key ingredient to shutting off your brain before bed is shutting off all electronics. Surely you have heard this before, but it’s not easy to stop scrolling when you're in bed. According to experts, it is extremely beneficial to turn off the bright screens on your phone or laptop at least one hour before attempting to fall asleep. This is because the blue light emitted by the brightness of the screen simulates daytime and makes it much harder to sleep successfully. When it’s time for bed and the next Netflix episode starts to load, resist the urge and shut it down!
Master the munchies
One of the hardest things to avoid in college is late-night snacking. This habit will do more harm than good. Although you may be extremely tempted to order a pizza at midnight, try to resist the urge. Eating before bed has a negative impact on the digestive system and will prevent you from falling asleep. If you can’t live without snacking before bed, go for a healthier alternative. Cherries are the ideal late-night snack because, in addition to their delicious taste, cherries contain a sleep hormone called melatonin.
Stick to a routine
One of the most important tactics to slay the sleep game is to develop a bedtime schedule. This may be difficult to achieve on the weekend, but during the week, it could improve your overall hours of sleep. This routine might consist of taking a shower, putting on pajamas and a face mask, listening to music or prepping for tomorrow. No matter what your routine entails, try to be consistent throughout the week. Remember to do what relaxes you.
It is so easy to lose track of time and to forget about the importance of sleep. Because there are so many ways to develop healthy sleeping habits, you need to find and embrace the methods you find most effective. Stick with them, get the restful sleep you deserve, and you'll wake up feeling refreshed and ready to save the world!