Daily Routines that Keep You Awake
Oftentimes our bed time routines will completely drain us of energy rather than refresh us the next morning. As an effect, we end up waking up feeling more tired or just as exhausted as the night before. For one thing, we should be more relaxed and energetic after a long night's sleep right? Wrong. Why is that so? Read on.
Many of us might think that a full 7-9 hours of sleep will do us good, but really, it's not just the number of hours that you should count. You may have as little as 6 hours of sleep and feel refreshed enough to do as many tasks as you need to or want to accomplish. Here are the top bed time routines that keep people from having that restful slumber:
Not having a bed time
You are never too old for bed time. The key to having constant energy the entire day is to sleep at exactly the same time every single day (or evening). Another thing you might want to consider is to have a daily routine at home before going to bed. This sets your body clock to a routine and tells it that you should, by hook or by crook, go to bed at exactly 11pm. For those who have a very unpredictable schedule, try to make sure that you are in bed at exactly the same time every single day. Trust me, your body will thank you.
Exercising
You may think that exercising will get you tired enough to just fall into bed and sleep. It's not like that. Exercising triggers your brain to release adrenaline. This gives as much energy as an energy drink, and that's why it's best to exercise during the morning after waking up. If done before bed time, it will keep you up for at least three more hours.
Rigorous Mental Activity
A leisurely read is fine, and even recommended by doctors to relax your brain. Magazines and chic lit, fiction, and fantasy novels will do the trick. However, if you start reading that history book, you better be prepared to wake up feeling like you pulled an all-nighter for a paper.
Books and reading materials that contain too much information triggers the brain to stay up and process it. This could take to as long as overnight and by the morning, you will surely feel as tired as ever. Avoid studying a few hours before bed time while you're at it.
Mid-day long naps
It's fine to take a 10-minute nap during the day. In fact, doing so improves your concentration and focus. However, a nap that lasts for more than 20 minutes tells your brain that you need to sleep, not a nap. A long nap during the day will push back your date with Mr. Sandman by a couple of hours. By the time you feel your eyes getting heavy, it'll be early in the morning.
Caffeine
The effects of caffeine can last up to five hours (at least) after consumption.This being said, it's wiser to avoid drinking anything with caffeine in the afternoon. You may think you need it in the evening for work, but it's no use working if your brain is already exhausted and not functioning properly. It's best to give it a fresh start early in the morning instead.
Studies show that adults need 7-9 hours of sleep in order to function properly. Of course, as with any health-related issue, this varies for every person. Some may be fine with only 5 hours, but surely that's because they have good sleeping habits that help their brains relax during sleep. Try to be more considerate of your brain and body and be sure to factor in your daily routine when considering a bed time. Who knows, you might have a good slumber every night.
