There are a few things in this world that I love: the beach at sunset, an extra fuzzy pair of pajama pants, and a perfectly made margarita. These are what I consider some of life’s finest pleasures. But even these delights pale in comparison to how I feel about sleep. Be it an afternoon catnap or a long winter snooze — sleeping, to me, is bliss. And these days I will stop at nothing to get the perfect night’s sleep.

I was never an insomniac and always slept like a rock, waking after eight uninterrupted hours, feeling refreshed and full of energy for the day ahead. Then along came my babies and everything changed. Since then, I have never enjoyed the luxurious slumber I once took for granted. My nights are peppered with spurts of waking, until my alarm sounds and announces that my time for sleeping is over.

Instead of waiting for a solid night of rest to come to me, I decided to find out what I could do to make it happen. After researching, I learned I had more control over the quality of my sleep than I realized. There is tons of information out there, but when you boil it down, you get these three things.

1. Pick a Bed Time

Going to bed at the same time every night helps to set your circadian rhythm and conditions your body to get sleepy when it’s time for rest. The same goes for waking at the same time every morning. Once your body’s clock is set, it sends messages to your brain about when it’s time to sleep and when it’s time to be awake. But your circadian rhythm also takes cues from the environment, which means. . .

2. Make Your Bedroom Dreamy

Setting the mood in your bedroom plays a huge role in how you sleep. Which means you can create perfect sleep conditions in your bedroom with just a few small tweaks. To craft a snooze-worthy room, think with your senses. Low lights, calming colors, and relaxing scents all help the brain prepare for sleep.

To prepare a relaxing envoronment, consider:

  • Low wattage, soft white bulbs
     
  • Wall colors in pale blues and greens
     
  • Candles or aroma sticks with lavender, chamomile, or vetiver

3. Check Your Thermostat

Turns out the right room temperature will help you catch more z’s. It might seem low, but research shows that around 65 degrees is the best for sleeping through the night. You may have to experiment to find your personal sweet spot, but staying in that range could turn your tossing and turning into sweet dreams. And if you're worried about being too chilly, toss an extra blanket on the bed to stay cozy.

After just a few weeks of abiding by these bedtime guidelines, I have noticed a difference in my sleep. I now sleep for longer stretches of time, without waking up, and feel more rested in the morning. I may never enjoy the glorious sleep of my youth, but if I can get close, I’ll take it.

How do you get a good night's sleep? Share with us!

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