Our in-depth topic for April is…SLEEP! Many of you weighed in over in our Facebook group (join here!) and wanted to focus on sleep this month.

Do you wake up exhausted and not ready to take on your day? Are you nodding off at your desk? Are you too tired to play with your kids, grandchildren, or pets? Are you so exhausted that you don’t want to do anything, regardless of whether it’s for work or play? Getting a good night’s sleep can help.

We all need sleep–eight hours per night is the standard recommendation. The goal is that with enough sleep, your body will rest and restore itself so it can function optimally each day.

Here are some ideas on how to make your bedroom a cozy, quiet space to help you get a great night’s sleep. The goal is to be able to fall asleep naturally and easily and stay asleep until morning, when you wake refreshed and ready to take on your day!

YOUR BED

A great mattress that supports your body and sleeping style is critical. An old, worn-out, or uncomfortable mattress can do more harm than good. Add in soft sheets, blankets, and coverlets that feel comfortable to your skin. Find a supportive, comfortable pillow or two that complements your sleeping style.

LIGHTING

Your body will sleep best in a dark room. Do you need to add window coverings? Try curtains or shades, and if you live in an area with lots of light, you may need blackout shades to really get your room dark enough to signal your body to sleep. Try dimming your lights throughout your home for two hours prior to going to bed. Consider investing in a pair of blue-light-blocking glasses if you continue to read, use your computer or phone, or watch TV closer to bedtime. Most phones and other devices have settings you can update to adjust the screen to be easier on your eyes – do it! It’s really best to keep all electronics out of your bedroom entirely, as the lights are very disruptive to your body’s rhythms. Alas, I know it’s not always possible.