· By Natalia Nordstrom
4 Relaxation Tools for Your Best Night's Sleep
The hustle and bustle of daily life, along with the constant stimulation from our devices, can make it challenging to wind down and prepare for restful sleep.
Here are four tools to help you achieve just that:
1. White Noise Machines
White noise machines are excellent for creating a soothing environment that can help drown out disruptive sounds, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. These devices produce a consistent, soft sound that can mask noise from traffic, neighbors, or even snoring partners.
2. Smart Light Bulbs
These bulbs can be programmed to change color temperature throughout the day, mimicking natural light patterns. In the evening, they can emit a warm, reddish light that reduces blue light exposure, which is known to interfere with the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. By creating a relaxing bedtime environment, smart light bulbs can help signal to your body that it's time to wind down.
3. Meditation and Sleep Apps
The rise of meditation and sleep apps has provided an accessible way to practice relaxation and mindfulness, which are crucial for a good night's sleep. Apps like Headspace, Calm, and Sleep Cycle offer guided meditations, breathing exercises, and soothing sounds designed to help you relax and fall asleep faster. Some apps also track your sleep patterns, providing insights that can help you make adjustments for better sleep quality.
4. Mouth Tape
Of course we got to include mouth taping as a tool to help you get your best night's sleep. Nasal breathing has been linked to a more restful sleep as it stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's "rest and digest" response. This shift can lead to a decrease in stress hormones and an overall sense of relaxation. What seemed to be a strange trend is now a must have tool to catch your deepest Z's.
Incorporating these relaxation tools into your bedtime routine can significantly improve your sleep quality, leaving you refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead. Remember, the key to better sleep is creating a calming environment that supports your body's natural sleep cycle.