The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has been compelling us all to adapt to the new normal consistently. This constant accustoming has caused several disruptions to our sleep hygiene, resulting in substantial physical and mental health deterioration.
Reportedly, poor sleep hygiene has given rise to increased anxiety, and depression in many. It has taken a toll on their overall productivity. Furthermore, there has been a noticeable drop in their immunity too. In this article, we will provide a few tips that can help you maintain good sleep hygiene, and boost up your immunity to combat the virus.
How can you Maintain Healthy Sleep Hygiene During the New Normal?
• Identify Potential Threats:
You must gauge your sleep and mark the potential disruptors. You may find out that you cannot fall asleep because you distressed or maybe because you are sleeping a tad more than usual during the day. Keep a check on your daily tasks, and note down anything that you think is atypical, and could be the reason behind you being unable to fall asleep.
• Keep to Your Sleep Schedule:
You must be consistent with your sleep schedule. To be operative, your body requires you to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. Resist looking at the screen through the evening; don’t allow yourself that extra nap-hour. Keep to an uncompromising schedule. If you follow this consistently, your body will have a great rhythm, functionality, and immunity.
• Exercise Daily:
The stay-at-home during the new normal has affected our exercise routines adversely. Healthcare professionals opine that decreased physical exercise is closely linked with sleep disorders. If you are less mobile than usual, you are only fuelling the risk of not exhausting your stored energy, thereby minimizing the chances of sleeping well. Persistently follow an exercise routine to see positive results.
• Say “No” to the Screen Before Hitting the Bed:
Ever since social distancing has emerged as the new normal, we are being obliged to do most of our work from home. This, very naturally, has led to increased exposure to the screens of our Computers, and Phones that emit blue lights. While it is not always possible to gain control over how much time we spend staring at the screen, it is certainly to keep your phone away before hitting the bed.
• Expose Yourself to Sunlight:
Starting your day with some sunshine can make sure your body is well synced with the circadian rhythm. This exposure to sunlight will not only be your automatic mood lifter but will also make better the quality of sleep you get. Sit on the balcony with a cup of coffee, and soak yourself in the sun.
• Adapt the Habit of Meditation:
Doctors strongly recommend meditation as a relaxant. Meditating before going to sleep daily ensures your stress and anxiety reduction. Moreover, it decreases your dependency on sleeping aids, which come with several unfavorable side effects.
We hope these tips help.