Being well rested is critical to one’s health, wellbeing and ability to navigate the demands of life. Sleep has an impact on everything from your mood and ability to regulate your emotions to the strength of your immune system and your capacity to remember, pay attention and learn. Not getting enough sleep can come at a cost to your ability to function well throughout the day. Both increased stress and shifts in our routines during COVID-19 have the potential to disrupt our sleep and lead to exhaustion. Layer in the fact that you are likely spending more time online, in zoom classrooms, and other platforms that can drain your energy. Now is an important time to strategize ways to make sure you are getting enough sleep. Here are a few tips and suggestions to help you get the daily sleep and rest you need.
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule, go to sleep & wake at roughly the same time daily
- Create a bedtime routine, this will signal your brain that it is time to wind down
- Engage in calming activities prior bed, yoga, meditation, reading, etc.
- Reduce screen time for at least two hours prior to going to bed, exposure to blue light from screens stimulates your brain and can make it difficult to fall asleep
- Limit watching news before bed, the combination of blue light and news updates can increase anxiety and stress making it hard to wind down
- Charge your cell phone in a room other than where you sleep, sound and light coming from notifications can disrupt sleep during the night
Here are a few additional resources to help with improving your sleep: