Going to bed early can be a challenge. Whether you’re a bedtime phone scroller, binge tv watcher, or victim of late-night anxiety, getting shut eye at a decent hour can be tough. Additionally, it takes time and patience to develop good sleep habits, which is why it feels easy to give up when you don’t experience immediate improvements. However, with consistent dedication, it’s possible to hit the hay early so that you can wake up feeling refreshed the next day.

Embrace Sunlight Early in The Day

In the work-from-home era, many of us are rolling out of bed and immediately reaching for our laptops. However, for healthy sleep, it’s important to get at least 10 minutes of sunshine each morning. Light is an important circadian cue for our brains. Similar to how it’s vital to restrict light at night, it’s also important to be exposed to natural light in the mornings. Spending time outside first thing will signal to your brain that it’s time to wake up and begin calibrating your circadian clock so it’s easier to fall asleep later. To make this practice even more effective, schedule your workouts in the morning hour.

Create a Bedtime Routine

Establishing a calming bedtime routine helps get your brain and body ready to call it a night. Find a light read, put on a podcast, or write down affirmations for yourself. It’s important to avoid blue light on your phone or your laptop at this time. Lean into activities that don’t involve technology. You can also invest in a digital alarm clock so you’re not tempted to scroll after setting your alarm.

Don’t Put Too Much Pressure on Yourself

Developing a healthy sleep schedule takes time and consistency. It’s likely and understandable that there will be days where you skip a morning workout or end up texting a friend late at night. It’s important to acknowledge that life gets in the way and as long as your remain relatively consistent that you’re doing great. Being too hard on yourself will only result in stress that inhibits sleep. Therefore, do your best, don’t get down on yourself when you hit snooze, and make sure to celebrate yourself when you do find yourself maintaining healthy habits.

For even more tips on how to conquer your sleep schedule, check out our recent post on how to become a morning person. Or, if you’re looking for a new apartment that sets the tone for a good night of sleep, reach out to the Lincoln team today.