How many times have you gone to bed at night and you go to check Instagram and before you know it, two hours have passed? Or maybe you go to watch one video on YouTube and that turns into five. We all love to sleep but getting to bed can be difficult.
Sleep is especially important for students and good sleep can help you feel energized and focused during classes. One of the biggest challenges for getting good sleep is checking your phone, but luckily we have 7 tips to help you put the phone down at night.
1.Listen to an audiobook instead of watching tv before bed.
Sometimes it can be hard to relax at night and tv is a way to calm down your mind, but have you tried listening to a podcast instead? There are a variety of podcasts and some are made specifically as bedtime stories. Whether you like listening to short stories or comedy shows, there is a podcast out there for you!
2. Put a sleep timer on your music.
Listening to music is a great way to relax before bed. Make sure you make your bedtime playlist ahead of time so you don’t have to skip songs when you are trying to fall asleep. Try downloading a sleep timer app so you don’t have to worry about turning off the sound in the night.
3. Read a book.
Reading is a great way to relax your mind. You can read that book you have always had on your list or pick something you know will make you tired. Reading lets you take a break from the stressful college experience and feel well rested in the morning.
4. Set an alarm.
It is easy to get distracted on your phone, but setting a reminder alarm can help you put the phone down before bed. Having a reminder alarm will let you answer any last messages and then put the phone away. Before you know it, this can become a regular habit! iPhones now have a Bedtime app on the clock feature, which allows you to name a bedtime that locks down your apps, if you want it to, at a certain time each night.
5. Create a routine.
Creating a routine can help your body learn that it is time to go to bed. Try putting your phone away and then brushing your teeth. Once your phone is away, you can relax and get ready for bed. Having a bedtime is also a great way to keep your body on a schedule.
6. Set your morning alarms ahead of time.
Be sure to set your alarms for the morning ahead of time and make sure the volume is up. You can also create regular alarms that go off on the same days each week so you never have to worry about missing a class.
7. Ask yourself if you really need to check your phone before bed.
Sometimes it can take a while to fall asleep and you are tempted to check your phone one last time. Do your best and ask yourself if it is really necessary to look at Instagram again. Most things can wait until morning and less screen time can make it easier to sleep!
Sleep is really important if you want to feel good throughout the day. I know how tempting those screens can be at night (believe me!). Try a few of these tips and figure out which ones work for you. Alright, you’re at the end of this blog, so put your phone down and go catch some more Zzzzzzs.
Anna Whitley, Health Coach