Can't sleep because of stress? Here are 15 unconventional relaxation tips for guaranteed deep sleep
Stress has become an unwelcome companion that often lingers far beyond office hours.
We all know the feeling of tight shoulders, racing thoughts, and an overwhelming sense of unease. While it's easy to brush aside stress as a natural part of life, failing to address it can lead to serious consequences, especially when it comes to the quality of our sleep and our overall long-term well-being.
In this blog, we'll delve into the captivating connection between stress, and sleep, and how to steer clear of this notorious stress and reclaim your precious sleep.
Simple tips to alleviate stress
We hear you. You’ve heard countless people talk about tips that can instantly put you to sleep.
But, the bottom line is, you can’t turn off the thoughts in your head and turn on sleep mode.
We understand how tiring it must feel. That’s why we’ve brought to you pragmatic tips that people have used and raved about over the years.
Try some of these for a week and see how you feel.
Aromatherapy escape
Transform your bedroom into a relaxation haven with soothing aromatherapy. Lavender, chamomile, and bergamot essential oils can work wonders in calming your mind and inducing sleepiness. A few drops on your pillow or in a diffuser can do the trick.
Progressive muscle relaxation
Start from your toes and work your way up, tensing and then releasing each muscle group in your body. This practice helps release physical tension and can pave the way for a peaceful slumber.
Guided imagery
Transport your mind to a tranquil place using guided imagery. Close your eyes and visualize a serene beach or a calming forest. Engaging your imagination helps shift your focus away from stress and towards relaxation.
Humming meditation
Humming at a low pitch can actually trigger a relaxation response in your body. Try humming your favourite tune for a few minutes before bedtime to ease your mind.
Offload with your journal
Write down your worries in a journal before bedtime. Putting your concerns on paper can provide a sense of closure and help you mentally offload before sleep.
Bedtime Yoga Stretches
Gentle yoga stretches can release built-up tension and prepare your body for relaxation. Incorporate stretches like forward bends and the child's pose to ease into a sleep-ready state. Here are other exercises you can try.
Weighted Blanket Magic
Embrace the cosy comfort of a weighted blanket. The gentle pressure simulates a hug, triggering the release of feel-good hormones and promoting relaxation.
Acupressure Points
Apply gentle pressure to specific acupressure points on your body, such as the wrist, between the eyebrows, and the base of the skull. Stimulating these points can help alleviate stress and promote deep sleep.
Humour Therapy
Laughter truly is the best medicine. Watch a light-hearted comedy show (at least 40 minutes before bed) or read something funny before bed. A good laugh can release tension and set the stage for a peaceful sleep.
Can stress prevent you from sleeping even if you’re exhausted?
Short answer – yes.
When you're stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol, which can increase alertness and make it difficult for your mind and body to relax and enter the restful state needed for sleep.
Stress can lead to racing thoughts, anxiety, and an inability to "shut off" your mind, making it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night. Even if you're physically exhausted, the heightened state of arousal caused by stress can override your body's natural sleep drive.
In addition, stress can also lead to other physiological changes that impact sleep, such as muscle tension, increased heart rate, and shallow breathing, all of which can make it uncomfortable to sleep or wake you up during the night.
A sure-fire solution to sleep like a baby every night
Your bedroom has a major impact on relieving your stress and relaxing you to the point where you slip into deep sleep unknowingly.
That’s possible when you have a smartGRID mattress at home. With 2500+ air channels that keep you cool, and Hyper-Elastic polymers that dissipate your stress, hold your pressure points gently, keep your back, neck and shoulders from straining, and give you 2x better comfort than you’ve never experienced anywhere else.
No matter how tired you are, chances are, when you feel wrapped up in a cloud that feels plush and super-snug, you’re likely to drift off peacefully.
Now, if that’s a sure-fire chance you’re willing to take, you need to check out HiGRID – The Sleep Company’s range of smartGRID mattresses, with an array of firmness levels and dimensions to suit your unique need.
Grab them when they’re 45% off. Head over to HiGRID - The Sleep Company right now and bring home your favourite mattress.