Everyone enjoys a good night’s rest. Sleep allows your body to recover and is just as important as a proper diet, exercising, and maintaining a well-balanced lifestyle, including ensuring your mental health is where it needs to be. A poor night’s sleep consistently leads to a lack of energy, mood swings, increased risk of weight gain, unhealthy skin, and other health problems. Trust me. I am no different. Over the years, I have picked up quite a few ways to help maintain great sleeping habits, ensuring a good night’s sleep. Here are six tips to consistently get a better night’s sleep.

Make your room more sleep-friendly. One of the most important things I learned that helped me was making my room a place more suited for sleep. First, remove the TV from your room. I was one of those kids who had to have the TV on while going to sleep, and at first, it was strange not having it on, yet over time, the quietness was welcoming to me. If you need some background noise, I suggest playing ocean sounds or my sleep playlist and setting a sleep timer for about fifteen to twenty minutes. Usually, you will be asleep before the time is up. Also, make sure that your room’s temperature is right. Too hot or too cold makes it difficult to sleep. If you don’t have A/C, look at the clothing you are wearing and the type of sheets you have to help you regulate your temperature.  

Reduce as much light as you can. According to the Sleep Foundation, light is the most important factor affecting sleep, and managing it can help wonders. First, try to add curtains that block out the sun or light. You may need to use these more in the summer than in winter when the sun is out much earlier in the morning. I know we all love our cell phones. However, putting your cell phone face down while you sleep can do wonders. When notifications come in, they will illuminate your phone and possibly wake you up or disturb your sleep. Also, placing your phone on DND (do not disturb) for a set number of hours allows your notifications to come in and not bother you, yet if there is an emergency, you can still be reached by your loved ones.  

Establish a sleep routine. It may seem as if you knew this already, yet just like your morning routine to get you ready for the day, there is a sleep routine that allows you to get ready for bed. Part of that is going to sleep at the same time. Having a set schedule of when you go to sleep within a thirty-minute range is helpful because your body will respond, and you will notice that it will be easier to go to sleep. You can also play the right music, read a book, meditate, and take a shower. All these things help your mind and body get ready for bed.   

Take a shower. Something about taking a nice shower before bed makes you feel good, and the reason is that taking a shower relaxes muscles improves blood flow, and helps with joints. Additionally, use soaps and body scrubs with naturally relaxing scents such as lavender, chamomile, and geranium; they are more impactful than you think.

Invest in quality bed linens. The most underrated thing I did to enhance my sleep was investing in quality linens. I rarely slept in until I stayed in a particular hotel and melted into their sheets. I did not get out of bed until noon the next day and graciously asked for a late checkout at 2 pm. That began my quest for quality bed linens. You may have to swap them out for the summer and winter; when you do, you will thank me. I am not saying that you need to spend a fortune on them. However, taking the time to see which type of cotton, thread count, and brand works best for you is a deal breaker. The best part is that you don’t have to buy bed sheets continuously. As long as you maintain them properly, they will last for years.   

Watch late-night snacks. The same circadian rhythm that your body follows for light also is the same for your digestive system. Eating the wrong foods can disturb that rhythm and contribute to weight gain. If you plan on eating at night, keep it light. Try eating cherries, bananas, edamame, pistachios, or yogurt. They are low in calories and digest easily.