(BPT) – It can be easy to forget about the importance of getting quality sleep during the summer. Between vacations, summer programs, holidays and familial commitments, you might find that you aren’t sleeping as well as you did during the school year.
Don’t wait until fall to get back on track with your sleep. Check out these five tips that can help you get your best sleep this school year.
1. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
The sun sets later in the day during the summer, making it tempting to stay up later than usual. Even during vacation, it’s a good idea to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day. The occasional late night or morning lie-in isn’t terrible, but don’t make it a habit or it will be challenging to get back into a more consistent sleep routine when class is back in session.
2. Create a soothing bedtime routine
Create a bedtime routine that helps you relax, unwind and get into the right mindset to sleep. About an hour before bedtime, get into your pajamas, brush your teeth, make a cup of herbal tea and unwind with a book or soothing music.
3. Put the phone down
According to Dr. Chris Winter, Mattress Firm and Sleep.com’s sleep health expert and neurologist, exposure to blue light in the evening and late afternoon fools our bodies into thinking it’s day and we should be awake. That makes you feel alert and makes it harder to unwind before bed. About an hour or two before bedtime, turn off the TV and put away your phone or tablet. If you’re tempted to use your phone in bed, charge it in the kitchen or living room rather than leaving it on your nightstand.
4. Try relaxation techniques
Even with a solid bedtime routine and good sleep hygiene habits, it can be difficult to quiet your mind. If you have a hard time getting into sleep mode, try some relaxation techniques before bed. According to Sleep.com, gentle bedtime yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation or calming breathwork can prepare your body and mind for a restful night’s sleep.
5. Check your mattress
Over time, mattresses can become saggy and don’t provide the support needed for proper spinal alignment and rest. You should replace your mattress about every 8 years, but if it’s negatively affecting your sleep, you should consider getting a new one sooner rather than later.
Mattress Firm has several sales going on this summer, so you can snag mattresses for your whole family without cutting into your back-to-school budget. At the Back-to-School sale (8/1-9/6), you can find a mattress without breaking the bank, so you can all sleep better and have the best year yet. Buy a Sleepy’s or tulo mattress for up to 50% off, and make sure to grab a tulo six-piece bedding bundle for $99.99. The bundle includes a mattress topper, comforter, sheet set and laundry bag.
To learn more about these deals and more, visit MattressFirm.com.