As we enter yet another new year, what better resolution to have than to take better care of your well-deserved sleep? After all, there’s nothing better than the feeling of your head hitting the pillow after a long day. Keep reading for tips and tricks to help you finally get the sleep that you deserve.

Help your mind and body relax by turning your bedroom into a sanctuary for your sleep. From bedding to lights, there’s nothing better for a comforting night of sleep than a cozy environment.

Keeping a cool, dark, and quiet space will help you get the best quality sleep - factors that you can mitigate even if you can’t fully control. If you’re someone who wakes up easily when even a peek of sunlight streams through your windows, consider using blackout curtains to let you sleep through the night. Earplugs or noise machines can block out noise or allow you to ease into sleep. 

If you’re looking for a soothing atmosphere, certain scents - like lavender and chamomile - have calming effects that can promote better sleep. Essential oil diffusers, scented candles, or linen sprays can be effective ways for you to relax and drift off to sleep. 

Comfortable bedding is crucial for a good night’s sleep. Whether you prefer plush, puffy comforters or fluffy, soft blankets, investing in quality bedding can do wonders for your sleep. Look for bedding sets that are sustainably made with the best materials for your skin. 

When you're tired throughout the day, the urge to take a daytime nap can be very tough to fight. While naps can be helpful every once in a while, it's better to avoid daytime naps. Napping throughout the day can make it much more difficult to sleep through the night, especially if you nap for hours on end.

If you feel like you need to work a nap into your schedule in order to sustain energy, here are some quick tips for an effective power nap that will leave you refreshed without affecting your nightly sleep too much:

• Nap in the early afternoon in accordance with your body's circadian rhythm. You'll likely feel more tired around this time, and it's generally recommended to sleep before 3:00 pm.
• Keep your naps under 30 minutes. Naps shorter than 30 minutes help you wake up refreshed rather than groggy. Sleeping longer than 30 minutes could make it more difficult to sleep later that night.
• Remember that it's okay if you don't fall fully asleep during your power nap. The goal of a power nap is to gain back energy, and this can be achieved even if you don't fall into a deep sleep. In fact, not falling into your deep cycle of sleep means that when you wake up within 30 minutes, you won't feel groggy and more tired. 

More than anything, this year we’re manifesting self care. While it can be hard to take care of ourselves in the midst of the many responsibilities of everyday life, it’s important to remember how far self-care goes for your health and happiness.

To get the best sleep, avoid eating large meals and drinking caffeine and alcohol a few hours before bedtime. Opt for light snacks if you’re feeling hungry before bed to avoid disrupting your sleep. Don’t forget to stay hydrated to avoid a dry mouth and throat in the morning. 

Regular physical activity can also help you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep. However, try to avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime, as it may keep you up through the night instead. Stress and anxiety can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep. If you find yourself feeling anxious by bedtime, retreat to your sleep sanctuary and try relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, yoga, and journaling to help release any stress you have.

In our current digital age, unplugging from our various devices can be especially hard. It might even be close to your bedtime as you’re reading this right now!

However, the blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers can interfere with your body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. For the best sleep, turn off these screens at least an hour before bedtime to help your body wind down. At the very least, turn on night shift for devices that have it to reduce the blue light you interact with before bed.

All of the tips we shared so far are steps to improve your overall sleep quality. Ultimately though, consistency is the key to everything. 

Using these tips to create a consistent nighttime routine that works best for you will improve your sleep in the long run. Little details like going to bed and waking up roughly at the same time every day will help to regulate your body’s internal clock.

Your routine can even include before bed activities to help you unwind. For example, reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing mindfulness meditation might put you in a relaxing mood perfect for deep sleep.