7 Simple and Easy Ways to Get a Better (and More Restful) Night’s Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for our physical and mental well-being. However, achieving quality and the correct quantity of sleep can be challenging for many individuals. If you’re looking for simple and easy ways to get a better and more restful night’s sleep, read on for more elaboration on each of the following tips.

cat sleeping restfully

1. Stick to a sleep schedule:

Setting a regular sleep schedule and sticking to it can significantly help regulate your body’s internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm. This means going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Keeping your body on a routine makes it easier for you to fall asleep and wake up naturally.

2. Create a sleep-conducive environment:

Your bedroom should be a sleep sanctuary. A comfortable, dark, cool, and quiet room is optimal. Make sure your mattress and pillows are supportive and comfortable. Investing in blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine to block out distractions can help create a more peaceful sleep environment.

3. Avoid screens before bed:

The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with your body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. To avoid this, avoid screens for at least an hour before bed. Instead, consider reading a book, taking a warm bath, or engaging in relaxing activities.

4. Limit caffeine and alcohol:

Both caffeine and alcohol can affect your sleep quality. Caffeine is a stimulant and can disrupt sleep patterns, and alcohol, while it may initially help you feel drowsy, can lead to more frequent waking during the night. Consider limiting your consumption of both, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime.

Easier said than done!

5. Exercise regularly:

Regular exercise is an excellent way to improve sleep quality. Exercise helps reduce stress and anxiety and promotes relaxation, leading to better sleep. Try to finish your workout at least a few hours before bedtime, as exercise can initially stimulate your body, making it difficult to fall asleep.

6. Practice relaxation techniques:

Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation, can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep. These techniques can also help you manage stress and anxiety, which can often lead to sleep difficulties.

7. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows:

Sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress or pillows can cause discomfort and pain, leading to sleep disruptions. Investing in a comfortable and supportive mattress and pillows can help you get a more restful night’s sleep. Make sure to choose a mattress and pillows that fit your needs and preferences.

By following these simple tips, you can significantly improve your sleep quality and quantity, leading to a more refreshed and energized feeling upon waking. Sweet dreams!


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5 Super Easy Eco-Friendly Swaps for your Bathroom

First off, DO NOT replace these items unless it really is needed.
That would defeat the purpose of being minimal waste.

If at all possible, buy from a local shop who supports local producers, crafters and artisans.

1. Shampoo + Conditioner Bars

These last forever!
Eliminate the plastic bottles by switching to shampoo and conditioner bars.

The green one I bought July of last year before I went on on my Geography field camp. It came from a cloth diapering and zero waste store at the mall.
I can not for the life of me remember the brand of it. I know it was made in Quebec and was sold as an outdoors-y soap. It has citronella and lemon grass, which I thought would be handy being in the bush for a week. The bar was supposed to condition as well, but I found that it didn’t so well for me.

The pink one is my “American Cream” conditioner bar from Lush. I bought it because I had read that it was “Curly Girl” friendly. I’m a wavy, so sometimes I like to just co-wash with the conditioner bar.

Bonus: Soap Tray

I bought this soap tray at a smaller store that focuses on local products.
It only cost me $5. I kept an eye out at other stores and window shopped online and most that I saw were at least $20. My shower has little shelves with ridges for soap, so I was perfectly fine with using the one furthest from the shower head for my shampoo and conditioner bars.

2. Tooth Paste Tablets

I got these at a semi-local zero-waste grocery store.
You would have to understand the local geography, but even though it’s only a 15 minute drive it is technically in another city and in another province.
Super easy to use. You just chew them up into a paste and then brush your teeth. Most tooth paste tubes are not recyclable due to being made of a combination of plastic and aluminium.

3. Safety Razor

This was one of my first swaps.
I got this one at Walmart as it was less than $20. I buy my blades from local stores. It has a nice weight and feel to it.
There is a difference in shaving techniques.
You have to hold the razor at a 45 degree angle and DO NOT apply pressure! The weight of the razor will be enough. It is the closest and cleanest shaves that I have ever had. Another pointer, do short strips.
If you’re nervous, watch some youtube videos.

4. Soap Bars

I consider myself lucky that my aunt makes soap.
She grows and uses her own herbs.
The one pictured is an orange detox soap.
When I happen to run out, I usually buy a locally hand made soap that benefits the Children’s Leukaemia Society. At only $5 a bar, this is an amazing soap.

5. Soap Bag

I have done away with plastic loofahs in my shower and replaced them with this soap pouch. They are designed to hold tiny pieces of soap together as one big bar. I noticed that I would go through my natural soap bars really fast as the kids always managed to splash water on the little shelves in our shower. My solution was to place the bars of soap in these bags and use them instead of loofahs or facecloths. We hang them to try in the shower on the shower curtain hooks to dry out.
When the bar of soap runs out, I wash it out and let it dry then add another bar of soap.

What about you?
What are some of your favourite minimal waste bathroom items?