For most people, getting enough quality sleep during the summer could be a challenge. Some of these common challenges are hot temperatures, vacation schedules, longer daylight hours, and other family activities. When your summer starts to become very busy, it’s all the more important to prioritize better sleep. Let’s learn about why better sleep matters for busy women and some tips you can take to sleep better during the summer.
Why Summer Can Disrupt Your Sleep
When the summer season hits, your sleep could become easily disrupted. One of the reasons for this is that the days are longer, and this could affect your body clock. You start to experience delayed melatonin production in the summer. Melatonin is the hormone that begins the process of a person getting ready for sleep.
Heat could also make falling asleep more difficult for people. You have to deal with nighttime discomfort and your body temperature not being regulated. This happens if your bedroom isn’t comfortable enough to sleep in. Many women wake up dealing with night sweats and hot flashes, which leads to disrupting sleep patterns.
You also start to have busier schedules in the summer. Besides a daily work schedule, you also may have some traveling and social events to think about. Irregular, inconsistent bedtimes are also pretty common during this season.
Why Better Sleep Matters for Busy Women
Better sleep is vital for everyone, but it especially matters the most to busy women. We have a full plate on our hands each day. Because of this, we need better, quality, restful sleep in our lives to wake up more energized and capable of facing the day. Without sleep, how would you be able to function with your daily responsibilities? You wouldn’t be able to perform your best at work or school. Better sleep could also lead to a stronger immune system, better heart health, weight management, and hormone balance. Going to bed at a decent time and not sleeping late all the time are essential in keeping a busy woman mentally and physically healthy.
Tips on Sleeping Better During the Summer
While it’s not easy to get the best type of sleep you want during the scorching summer, it’s possible if you follow some helpful tips. Sleeping better requires time and patience in setting the right environment. If you don’t want any more restless summer nights, here are some good tips to start your way into sleeping like a baby each night.
Eat a Light Evening Meal
This tip does make sense because if you eat heavy before going to bed, you’ll be developing some indigestion. Spicy foods also aren’t good before going to bed. These foods could hinder your body’s ability to regulate its temperature and increase your body’s temperature. A light evening meal makes you feel more comfortable and drifts you off to restful sleep easily. Also, consider eating some sleep-friendly snacks such as fruits or veggies.
Cool Your Bedroom
Before you go to bed, be sure to also cool your bedroom off. The optimal sleep temperature is normally between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit. Use an air conditioner, oscillating fans, or a combination of both to create a comfortable sleep environment. This will help your body reach its core ideal temperature and drift off to sleep more easily.
Limit Phone Screen Time
Staying on your phone all night is one of the worst things to do if you’re trying to get some sleep at night. The blue light from scrolling all night will only stimulate your brain and cause you to stay awake more. They can also suppress melatonin levels for up to three hours. So be sure to turn your phone off at least an hour before bedtime.
Reduce Light Exposure at Night
In addition to your phone or other electronic devices, it’s also important to reduce other light exposure such as light from your windows. Consider using blackout curtains, which helps limit sunlight and reduce the amount of heat entering your room. They also promote a darker sleeping environment, enabling you to sleep more easily. However, still be sure to get some exposure to bright light in the morning so you’ll be able to sleep at night.
Sleep Well Despite a Busy Summer Schedule
Sleeping well is possible, even with a busy summer schedule ahead of you. You need sleep especially during these months to function and live a healthy, balanced life. For sustainable change in your sleeping habits, try adopting maybe one or two of these tips into your routine. The more you make small improvements in getting better sleep, the more this could lead to boosted energy, mood, and overall well-being during the summer months.
How do you prioritize sleep during the summer season? What are your tips for sleeping better during the summer despite a busy schedule? Feel free to share your tips and thoughts in the comment section below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next woman you know who values good sleep.
