Start Catching Up on Those Much-Needed Zzz’s

 

 

We’ve heard it many times: make sure you get seven to eight hours of sleep a night. No matter how good our intentions and attempts may be, it’s inevitable that the majority of college students do not get enough sleep. Busy schedules and life distractions make us trade in sleep for work or play. But getting only a few hours of sleep is not good for you, especially when you have school or work the next day. 

 

Sleep deprivation is nothing to take lightly since it can be a severe threat to your health. Lack of sleep can lead to a reduction in alertness, performance, memory, and can negatively affect your mood and behavior (we’re all pretty crummy people when we don’t get enough sleep, aren’t we?) It can also cause long term effects like high blood pressure and heart problems. Pretty scary! 

 

We’ve all been there: you’re pretty exhausted from a long day of school or work, you can’t wait to snuggle into bed and sleep, but when the time comes, you find yourself laying in bed unable to sleep. So what are we missing? How can we get better sleep faster? Without further ado, Her Campus UCI is here to save you. 

 

The smell of lavender, jasmine, chamomile, cinnamon, and sandalwood have relaxing effects that naturally aid in sleep.  Buy candles or sprays with these aromas and fill your room with calming vibes to help you sleep. A personal favorite of mine is the Febreze Sleep Serenity sprays and plug-ins. Before bed, spritz a bit onto your sheets and pillow. The smell is soothing and a great way to get your mind ready for sleep.  

 

Doing a bit of yoga in the evening or before bed helps lower stress levels, tension, and calms the mind. Certain positions help combat restlessness and insomnia. Practicing meditation and breathing techniques can help ease your body for a better night sleep. 

 

Creating a cold and dark atmosphere can bring your body back to its evolutionary roots and may help you to sleep more soundly. Make your room cold by turning on the AC or by slightly opening a window. Block out any light by closing blinds, turning off any twinkling electronics, or even by wearing an eye mask. 

 

Taking a hot or warm bath/shower two hours prior to bed creates a cozy and relaxed state for your body, preparing it for sleep. Try taking a relaxing bath with scented bath bombs, like my personal favorite Lush’s Twilight or Ickle Baby Bot bath bombs. They’re filled with soothing scents that will ease your body as you soak. If you find that taking baths or showers before bed makes you more alert, it’s better to skip this tip. Test it out for yourself. 

 

Do you like falling asleep to the sound of rain? You’re not alone. Our brains crave sensory input so when we try to sleep in a quiet noise, our brains automatically try to create noise (sometimes coming from everyday stressors or thoughts). Sleeping with relaxing sounds shuts off the scattered noises your brain is trying to create. You can purchase a noise machine, create a playlist of relaxing tunes on iTunes or play a video on YouTube (just make sure that the brightness on your screen is low to help keep your room dark.)  

 

Foods high in natural sedatives and stress relievers will easily put you to sleep. Try eating these foods as snacks–not meals–before bed and you’ll be off to dreamland in no time. 

Magnesium rich foods: almonds, cashews, legumes, leafy greens and whole grains

Vitamin C and Beta: carotene rich foods: apricots, oranges

Melatonin (sleep hormone):  bananas, tart cherries, cheese

 

There are certain beauty products on the market that contain agents to aid with sleep. From oils to night moisturizers, there’s bound to be one right from you. 

Some examples of those products include:  

21 Drops: 18 Sleep Essential Roller Ball – roll this calming oil blend all over your body to induce a calm state and sleepy state.  

Bliss FatGirl Sleep: this night cream not only helps smooth uneven skin but helps you drift off into sleep with its lavender aroma. 

Elemis Quiet Mind Temple Balm: swipe onto the temples for some serious serenity. 

Bath & Body Works Sleep Lavender Chamomile Body Lotion: this lotion helps moisturize your skin as well as get you get a little rest. 

Origins Feel Good Hug: this body wrap, infused with cinnamon and clove, is peaceful and will lull you right off to sleep.      

 

Experiment with different sleeping techniques until you discover the one that suits you best. Do you have any bedtime tips or tricks that help you fall asleep?

 

Happy Dreaming.