3 Steps for a Better Night Sleep

Getting better quality sleep at night can have some fantastic benefits for people of all ages. Some of the many health benefits include having more energy, better concentration and focus, healthier weight loss, and clearer skin. For young children and teenagers, getting enough sleep at night is absolutely essential to healthy growth and development (both physically and mentally).

So, what can you do to make sure that your family is getting the best nights sleep, every single night? In this post I'm going to share 3 steps for better sleep quality for the whole family!

1 - Be Strict About Screen Time
Gadgets such as smartphones, tablets and laptops are playing an increasingly important part in our lives, with most children using them from a very young age. But while there is no denying that these devices can be essential to education or keeping connected to loved ones, not everything about today’s modern technology is beneficial.

Using your gadgets too late into the night will affect the production of melatonin - a natural hormone produced by your body in the dark to get ready for sleep, bringing on feelings of drowsiness. If you use your smartphone in bed, the blue light from the screen can seriously hinder your sleeping pattern, rendering you wide awake into the early hours. The same goes for your laptop, PC, tablet, and even your TV! Why not schedule a ‘screen-free’ hour for the whole family, at least an hour before bed, to help everyone relax in the evenings.

2 - Try Natural Remedies and Sleep Aids
There are several great natural sleep aids that you use to aid peaceful sleep. Essential oils such as lavender and chamomile are some of the most popular; put a few drops in your bath water, on your pillow, or into a diffuser in your room to help create a calming atmosphere.

It is also important to make sure your bedroom is conducive to sleep - calming light colours and a good quality mattress, such as those from the silentnight mattresses range, will make a huge difference to your sleep. Even something as simple as a blackout blind can create a better atmosphere for sleep.

3 - Exercise More Often
Getting more physical activity as a family has many more benefits on top of improved sleep. Exercising in the morning or during the afternoon can make it easier for you to fall asleep at night; physical activity raises your body’s temperature, leaving you feeling sleepy once it returns to normal. For the best results, aim to time your family exercise sessions no less than four hours before bedtime. It is a great way to bond as a family unit too!

This is a collaborative post.