We all know how important sleep is for our overall health and wellbeing. From staying alert during the day to maintaining a healthy immune system, getting enough sleep is crucial. But sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we just can’t seem to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night. That’s where sleep hygiene comes in. Sleep hygiene refers to the habits and practices that promote good sleep quality and quantity. While many of us are familiar with the basics of sleep hygiene like avoiding caffeine and electronics before bedtime, there are some more unusual hacks that can be surprisingly effective. Here are seven strange but effective sleep hygiene hacks you haven’t tried yet:
1. Wear orange glasses before bed
Orange glasses may seem like a fashion faux pas, but they can actually help you sleep better. That’s because the orange tint blocks blue light, which can disrupt your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Blue light is emitted by electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers. By blocking blue light, orange glasses can help your body produce melatonin, the hormone that controls your sleep-wake cycle. Try wearing orange glasses for at least an hour before bedtime to see if they make a difference.
2. Use a weighted blanket
Weighted blankets have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. These blankets are filled with materials like plastic pellets or glass beads that make them heavier than regular blankets. The weight of the blanket provides a gentle pressure that can help you feel more relaxed and calm. This can be especially helpful for people with anxiety, as the pressure can mimic the feeling of being hugged.
3. Take a warm bath or shower
Taking a warm bath or shower before bed can be a great way to relax your body and mind. The warm water helps to soothe sore muscles and can help you feel more calm and relaxed. Additionally, the drop in body temperature that occurs after getting out of a warm bath or shower can signal to your body that it’s time to sleep.
4. Listen to white noise
White noise is a type of sound that contains all frequencies at equal intensity. This can be helpful for masking other sounds that might be keeping you awake, like traffic noise or a snoring partner. There are many different types of white noise machines available, from simple apps on your phone to sophisticated machines that offer a range of different sounds.
5. Practice progressive muscle relaxation
Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique that involves tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups in your body. By doing this, you can release tension and help your body feel more relaxed. To practice progressive muscle relaxation, start by tensing your toes and feet for a few seconds, then release the tension and feel the relaxation. Move up your body, tensing and relaxing each muscle group as you go.
6. Try aromatherapy
Certain scents can be calming and relaxing, making them perfect for promoting sleep. Lavender is a popular scent for relaxation, but other scents like chamomile, vanilla, and jasmine can also be helpful. You can use essential oils in a diffuser, add them to a bath, or even use a scented pillow spray.
7. Keep your feet warm
Keeping your feet warm may seem like a small thing, but it can actually make a big difference in how well you sleep. That’s because your body naturally cools down as you sleep, and cold feet can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Try wearing warm socks or using a heating pad on your feet to keep them warm and cozy.
In conclusion, there are many different sleep hygiene hacks that you can try to help improve your sleep quality and quantity. While some of these hacks may seem a little strange, they can be surprisingly effective. Give them a try and see which ones work best for you. Sweet dreams!
