Our minds and bodies go through important restorative processes while we sleep.
But unfortunately, it’s not unusual to suffer from sleeplessness when someone you love has passed away.
So, how do you get through the night in the wake of a loss?
Here are some tips to try to hopefully get better rest tonight.
Tend to Your Basic Needs
After the death of a loved one, we often lose focus when it comes to tending to our basic needs.
But it’s more important than ever to ensure that you’re participating in a well-rounded .
This means making choices throughout your day to participate in activities that support your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
You can achieve this by nurturing yourself with healthy activities, such as going for a jog in the morning or relaxing with a cup of hot tea at night.
Do something that makes you feel good!
Focus on Creating a Bedtime Routine
Tossing and turning isn’t fun, especially when you can’t settle your thoughts.
Luckily, though, there are several tricks that you can try in order to help yourself to relax, get to sleep faster, and stay asleep longer.
To do this, you need to establish a bedtime routine that works for you.
Try engaging in some rituals to help you unwind at night, like dimming your lights, taking a warm bath, or listening to soothing music. You could also try some deep breathing exercises to calm your body and mind. Even turning off your over-stimulating electronic devices at night may help you to establish a more restful sleep pattern.
Whatever it may be, find what works best for you and stick with it. By performing the same routine each night, you’ll start to help your body to get into a rhythm.
Remember That Food Choice Matters
Good nutrition’s an important aspect of good health, but you might be surprised to learn that certain can play a role in how well you sleep at night.
Try to avoid eating heavy meals such as pizza, pasta, hot peppers, caffeinated beverages, sugary foods, and dairy products late in the evening.
Try to Exercise Regularly
Fitness should be a priority in your lifestyle because a lack of exercise can interfere with your ability to sleep.
Not only does participating in a regular workout help your sleep quality, but it can also improve your sleep duration.
So you should schedule your workout each and every day, preferably in the early hours, if possible. Too vigorous physical activity late in the evening can also negatively impact your slumber.
Improve Your Actual Sleep Environment
There are several things you can change in your bedroom to contribute to better sleep quality.
For example, sometimes it’s helpful to rearrange your bedroom if you lost your spouse. You can even change the side of the bed you sleep on or buy new sheets.
Some people also find comfort in keeping a memento from their loved one nearby when they sleep at night.
Keeping the room dark and cool can encourage more restful sleep as well, and you might even want to add a sleep-oriented gadget, such as an air purifier or sleep mask.
No matter what tips you decide to try, sleep is an important aspect of your overall health.
And while it can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep after losing a loved one, it’s important for your well-being.
So give some of these tips a try, and see how well you sleep in the days to come.
Have you been struggling to get those much-needed zzzs? Share some of your own tips in the comments below!
A special thanks to Sara Bailey of .
Resources
“6 Steps To Getting Better Sleep At Night.” CüR Laser and Skin, 13 Jan. 2018, .
“Does Lack Of Exercise Affect Your Sleep? | Factory Mattress Blog.” Factory Mattress Texas, 30 May 2017, factorymattresstexas.com/blog/lack-exercise-affect-sleep/.
Ghosh, Pallab. “Why Do We Sleep?” BBC News, BBC, 15 May 2015, www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-32606341.
Gross, Joel. “10 Foods to Avoid Before Bed If You Want to Sleep Better | Saatva.” Saatva’s Sleep Blog, Saatva, 2 Nov. 2018, www.saatvamattress.com/blog/10-foods-avoid-before-bed/.
“Self-Care Checklist for Mental and Physical Health.” Rehab Village, 5 Sept. 2018, www.rehabvillage.org/self-care-checklist-for-mental-and-physical-health/.
Soffer, Rebecca. “Avoidance, Humor And Other Strategies For Clearing A Home After Loss.” ELLE Decor, ELLE Decor, 18 Sept. 2015, www.elledecor.com/life-culture/a7703/rebecca-soffer-clearing-a-home-after-loss/.
Team, Nuvanna. “5 Ways To Build A Regular Sleeping Pattern.” Nuvanna, 1 Nov. 2018, nuvanna.com/5-ways-build-regular-sleeping-pattern/.
“Top 6 Activities That Are Negatively Affecting Your Sleep.” Mattress1 One, 12 Oct. 2015, www.mattress1.com/uncategorized/top-6-activities-that-are-negatively-affecting-your-sleep/.