Are you struggling with COVID-somnia?
I recently came across an article about the importance of sleep and its role in our lives. It is titled "How to Sleep Better During the Pandemic," and Stacey Colino wrote it.
It can be easy to sacrifice rest for other obligations or to get more work done. Creating and running Tick Tock has shown me that there are still ways to have a whole night's rest after a day of getting work done for both of my businesses and even have time left for family, friends, and myself. If you want more free tips on how I do that, I have many of them on my Instagram @calendarguru or blog posts. BUT the main constant that keeps me going and allows me to be completely present is getting sleep.
The article shared about how insomnia is increasing due to the pandemic, termed COVID-somnia. There is a big science as to why this is happening. A lack of routine or a significant change such as COVID-19 can cause circadian rhythms to be off. Do you find yourself not getting the same amount of movement as before? Lacking sunlight? An inconsistent schedule and routine? Then you could be noticing the complications of this and how it affects sleepy-time.
Stress also plays a role in how much sleep you are getting and the quality of it. Did you know, poor-quality sleep can also contribute to a lower pain threshold, impairs memory, motivation, energy, concentration, and productivity? If you are running your own business, you know how important it is to get stuff done and succeed. So how do we get over this hump during the pandemic?
The article suggested the following:
No devices 1-2 hours before bed due to the impacts from the blue light electronics give off. It prevents the release of melatonin which is vital for the onset of sleep.
Try listening to calming music or read a book in place of electronics, so there are less stimulation and more time for a relaxed state.
Like I have mentioned with Tick Tock, routines are the golden standard for being productive because humans (even dogs) crave structure. So try getting into the habit of taking a shower at night and doing deep-breathing, or light a candle and reflect with some gratitude. It is almost like conditioning your brain and setting your body up for success.
Try decluttering your room. Clutter can also play a role in feeling stressed, and a chaotic environment can affect you more than you may think.
Make sure your room is dark and quiet, and the temperature should be around 60-67 degrees.
Other suggestions to manage insomnia are regular physical activity throughout the day, deep breathing before bed, and mindfulness meditation. If needed, cognitive-behavioral therapy, medications, and supplements can be effective in treating this.
With all of these great tips, try choosing one or two and see the difference in your sleep.
Happy sleeping, Tick Tockers!