Alternative Ways to Help You Sleep at UCF
Your time at the University of Central Florida has probably been flying by, and with so much to do as a college student, that’s not going to stop anytime soon! Make sure you’re establishing the best possible sleeping patterns during your time at UCF so that you’re making the most of your time here. You don’t want to miss out on fun events because you’re too tired or have to go to the library because you didn’t have the energy to study and it’s the last minute. Try these five tips as alternative ways to help you fall asleep and get a good night’s rest.
1. Get some sunlight first thing in the morning
It seems counterintuitive to do something in the morning for better sleep, but getting 15 minutes of natural light in the morning can work wonders for falling asleep! The exposure to natural sunlight will help your body reset your biological clock and get you on track for a normal nighttime routine.
2. Try a new pillow
Studies show that your pillow should be replaced every 12 to 18 months to keep it from getting full of dust mites and other critters that can cause allergic reactions. Do you ever wake up and have a hard time breathing through your nose? It may be time to get some new pillows and see what a difference they make!
3. Don’t let sleep stress you out
If you’re too worried about falling asleep or getting enough, it can actually make it harder for you to fall asleep! Do you ever lie in bed thinking about how soon you have to get up and keep ticking off the minutes as you can’t fall asleep? Try not to let sleep stress you out or you’ll actually have a harder time getting any!
4. Avoid drinking too many liquids before bed
This seems like a given, but try to remember to quit drinking a few hours before bed. While it’s important to stay hydrated, going to bed after too many liquids can lead to interrupted sleep — i.e., trips to the bathroom. If you find yourself thirsty before bed, have a few sips of water, but don’t drink an entire bottle right before bedtime.
5. Stop smoking
There are already a hundred reasons why you should quit if you’re a smoker, and here’s one more: A 2008 study showed that smokers are four times more likely to feel tired in the morning. Just like caffeine, nicotine is a stimulant that will keep you from getting a good night’s sleep.
Of course, here at Northgate Lakes we want you to make the most of your time at UCF, and that starts with getting the right amount of sleep each night! Try some of these tips and let us know how they work for you. Have tips of your own? Share with us how you fall asleep at night.
For more information on good sleep patterns, head to this article from the Huffington Post.