Engaging in a relaxing activity such as reading, meditation, yoga, or listening to music, before going to bed, can help you to get a good night sleep. Perform this activity in a dimly lit, stress-free environment. Try to schedule your activity to take place at the same time every day. A regular routine helps to promote quality sleep.

5 minutes of breathing exercises before bedtime will help reduce stress. Take slow, deep breaths, through your nose and deep into your abdomen (rather than your chest). If you are doing this correctly your belly will expand and contract with each breath.

Spicy foods and large meals before bedtime should be avoided, as the resulting stomach activity may reduce sleep quality.

Keep objects that can be associated with stress out of the bedroom, and never use your bed as a place to do work.

Regular exercise can reduce stress, aid relaxation, and improve your sleep, BUT exercise produces stimulants, so avoid strenuos activity just before bedtime.

Listening to relaxing classical music can improve sleep. One of the most relaxing pieces of classical music is Adagio for Strings.

Read and share ideas about stress reduction, relaxation techniques, and sleeping aids on our sleep and relaxation discussion page.

View post:

relaxing music, sleep aids, and relaxation tools