Achieve a Restful Night’s Sleep with Proper Sleep Hygiene

Dixon • February 20, 2019
Woman Sleeping on Her Bed

Did you know, that much like your daily personal hygiene routine, you should also have a proper sleep hygiene routine? Just as personal hygiene is a variety of different practices, sleep hygiene consists of a routine of things you do prior to bed. They can even be done throughout the day to ensure the best night of sleep. Obtaining healthy sleep is essential to your mental and physical health and can improve both productivity and quality of life. People of all ages benefit from adequate sleep and proper sleep hygiene, and you can too. Continue reading to see what steps you can take to achieve the most restful night you can have.

Limit Day-time Naps

According to the Sleep Foundation, you cannot make up for lost sleep by taking a nap. Therefore, you should limit any naps taken during the day to 30 minutes or less. This short burst of rest can improve your alertness and mood while having little to no effect on your ability to fall asleep for the night at your regular time.

Avoid Stimulants

While some days you just cannot seem to make it through the day without that second cup of coffee, it is best to avoid stimulants later in the day. This goes beyond the realm of caffeine, as nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products act as stimulants. Avoiding smoking close to bedtime and staying away from caffeine after 2:00 PM will make it easier for you to fall asleep in a timely fashion. Also, keep in mind that while alcohol makes you sleepy, it greatly affects the quality of sleep you get. Avoid the excessive consumption of alcohol to ensure a full, restful night of sleep.

Exercise Regularly

As little as ten minutes of walking is enough to increase the quality of sleep you achieve each night. If you regularly exercise strenuously, be sure to do so earlier in the day. However, some people do well with sleeping right after a high-intensity workout, so see what works best for how.

Set a Routine

Having a regular bedtime routine is crucial to falling asleep quickly and achieving a restful night of sleep. Set up a relaxing routine such as performing some bedtime yoga or stretches, taking a warm shower or bath, or reading a light, enjoyable book. Mix it up to see what benefits you most. Avoid emotional conversations and exposure to social media platforms where people often find themselves in heated conversations. A relaxing bedtime routine is the keystone to proper sleep hygiene.

Avoid Screen Time

Did you know that the ambient glow from the screen of your tablet or smartphone is sabotaging your ability to fall asleep? The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with your circadian rhythm and make falling asleep quite difficult. This is because your brain has just been exposed to light which your body perceives as daylight. Turn off the screens (including the TV) at least an hour before bedtime and read a book instead. If you must do work or homework prior to bed, dim the lights in the house as well as on your screen monitor to reduce the effects.

Set a Pleasant Environment

Be sure your sleeping environment is conducive to a comfortable, restful slumber. Block out any intrusive lights with curtains, be sure the room is a cool, comfortable temperature, and ensure you have a comfortable, supportive mattress and pillow. You comfort level will determine how quickly you fall asleep and whether you will wake during the night. A white noise machine or fan can be a relaxing alternative to city sounds if you live in a highly populated area.


If you are experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness, you may be suffering from poor sleep hygiene. Try these steps to see how much your sleep will improve. It will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on your day.

Stay Healthy My Friends!

Dixon Troyer is the President of Operations at 3 Elements Lifestyle, LLC., a Fitness and Weight Loss company that specializes in YOU! With more than 15 years of gym and club experience, owning, operating and managing clubs of all sizes, Dixon lectures, delivers seminars and workshops on the practical skills required to successfully help you with your health and fitness goals. Dixon also helps you build the teamwork, management, and training necessary to open your own fitness center.


Visit his Web site or email at dixon@3elementslifestyle.com or call (805) 499-3030.

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Whether it's to improve your overall well-being, increase energy levels, or boost self-confidence, having a clear motivation will keep you focused and committed throughout your journey. Write your goals down, so you know exactly what they are. I recommend placing them in the refrigerator so you will see then every time you open it. 3. Participate in Group Classes: Joining group classes like at 3 Elements Lifestyle can provide you with the support and motivation needed to stay consistent. Our classes are always led by a trained instructor. The workouts include bodyweight training, HIIT, kettlebells, cardio, strength training, battle ropes, tire flipping, and offer a diverse range of workouts that cater to different fitness levels and preferences. 4. Prioritize Nutrition: Fitness and nutrition go hand in hand. Nourishing your body with the right foods will enhance your workouts and accelerate your progress. Poor quality food will do the opposite. Focus on consuming a balanced macro diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, lots of vegetables, and healthy fats. Consult a nutritionist for personalized advice if needed. 5. Stay Hydrated: This is a big one. Maintaining adequate hydration is essential for overall health and optimal workout performance. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially before, during, and after exercise. Hydration helps regulate body temperature, supports joint health, and aids in nutrient absorption. A good marker for daily water intake is to take your weight, divide it by two and drink that many ounces a day. 6. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body's signals during workouts. Push yourself to challenge your limits, but also know when to rest and recover. Overtraining can lead to injuries and burnout, so allow yourself time for adequate rest and rejuvenation. 7. Incorporate Resistance Training: In addition to cardiovascular exercises, include resistance training in your workout routine. This helps build lean muscle mass, increases metabolism, and improves overall strength. Start with bodyweight exercises and gradually introduce kettlebells, weighted balls or weights as you progress. 8. Prioritize Sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for muscle recovery and overall well-being. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to support your fitness goals. Establish a bedtime routine and create a sleep-friendly environment to optimize restful sleep. 9. Track Your Progress: Keep a record of your fitness and nutrition journey to track your progress effectively. Monitor changes in your strength, endurance, and body composition. This will not only help you stay motivated but also enable you to make adjustments to your routine as necessary. 10. Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate your accomplishments along the way, no matter how small. Recognize your dedication and hard work by treating yourself to a non-food-related reward or sharing your achievements with friends and family. Remember, every step counts! In conclusion, embarking on a fitness and nutrition journey as a beginner can be challenging, but with the right guidance and mindset, it becomes an empowering experience. At 3 Elements Lifestyle, we are committed to helping you kickstart your journey on the right foot. By setting realistic goals, prioritizing nutrition, staying consistent, and listening to your body, you'll be well on your way to achieving a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. Get ready to unleash your potential and embrace the transformative power of fitness and nutrition, and a better, healthier life! Stay healthy my friend! Dixon Troyer is the President of Operations at 3 Elements Lifestyle, LLC., a Fitness and Weight Loss company that specializes in YOU! With more than 15 years of gym and club experience, owning, operating and managing clubs of all sizes, Dixon lectures, delivers seminars and workshops on the practical skills required to successfully help you with your health and fitness goals. Dixon also helps you build the teamwork, management, and training necessary to open your own fitness center. Visit his Web site at: www.3elementslifestyle.com , email at Dixon@3elementslifestyle.com or call 805.499.3030.