10 Common Mistakes to Avoid for a Better Night's Sleep

Getting a good night's sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. However, certain habits before bedtime can seriously disrupt your rest. Here's a rundown of 10 things you should avoid doing before hitting the hay, along with some tips for what you can do instead to improve your sleep quality.

1. Going to Bed Hungry

Going to bed with an empty stomach can cause blood sugar levels to drop, which might wake you up in the middle of the night. However, you don't want to go to bed with a full stomach either. Instead, opt for a light snack that can help stabilize your blood sugar levels. Some great choices include turkey, oatmeal, kiwi, pistachios, and other foods that are high in tryptophan, serotonin, or melatonin.

2. Eating Too Much Before Bed

Overeating before bed can lead to indigestion and disrupt your sleep. Large meals require your digestive system to work harder, which can keep you awake. Aim to have your last meal at least two to three hours before bedtime and keep it light to avoid any digestive issues.

3. Drinking Caffeine or Alcohol

Caffeine and alcohol can both interfere with your sleep. Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and many energy drinks, can stay in your system for several hours and prevent you from falling asleep. Try to avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening. Alcohol might help you fall asleep initially, but it often leads to fragmented sleep and can cause you to wake up in the middle of the night. Limit alcohol intake and avoid drinking it close to bedtime.

4. Smoking

Nicotine, the addictive substance in cigarettes, is a stimulant that can make it harder to fall asleep. It stimulates your nervous system and increases heart rate, which is counterproductive to falling asleep. If you smoke, try to avoid smoking in the hours leading up to bedtime.

5. Using Electronic Devices

Electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers emit blue light that can interfere with your body's production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. This can make it harder to fall asleep and reduce the quality of your rest. Turn off electronic devices at least an hour before bed and consider using features like "night mode" if you must use them.

6. Exercising Too Close to Bedtime

Exercise is great for overall health and can improve sleep quality, but doing intense workouts too close to bedtime can have the opposite effect. Exercising raises your heart rate and body temperature, which can make it harder to wind down. Aim to finish any vigorous exercise at least three hours before you go to bed.

7. Worrying

Letting worries and stress occupy your mind before bed can prevent you from falling asleep. Try to establish a relaxing pre-sleep routine that helps clear your mind. Consider writing down your thoughts or creating a worry journal to address your concerns earlier in the day rather than letting them keep you awake at night.

8. Drinking Too Much Water

While staying hydrated is important, drinking too much water before bed can lead to frequent trips to the bathroom during the night. To avoid disruptions, limit your fluid intake during the hour or two before bedtime. Ensure you're well-hydrated throughout the day, so you don't need to drink large amounts before bed.

9. Napping Too Close to Bedtime

Napping can be beneficial, but doing so too close to your bedtime can interfere with your ability to fall asleep at night. Try to keep naps short (20-30 minutes) and avoid them in the late afternoon or evening to ensure they don't affect your nighttime sleep.

10. Having Intense Conversations

Engaging in stressful or emotionally charged conversations before bed can stimulate your mind and make it difficult to relax. To avoid this, try to resolve any conflicts earlier in the day and choose calming activities in the evening. Reading, listening to soothing music, or practicing relaxation techniques can help you unwind.

By avoiding these bedtime blunders and adopting better pre-sleep habits, you can improve your chances of getting a restful and uninterrupted night's sleep.

References: 20 Things You Do Before Bed That Sabotage Your Sleep | Ways to Wreck Your Sleep | The 8 Best (and 4 Worst) Things to Eat and Drink Before Bed