Stress and pandemic disruptions have drastically affected our sleep. Here's how to take back some control.
When life turned topsy-turvy during the pandemic, it became challenging – if not impossible – to keep some semblance of a normal sleep routine.
Your wind-down routine can be pretty simple – brush your teeth, wash your face, get into pyjamas, and do a relaxing activity .“Anything you do in the same order night after night becomes a queue for sleep,” Schneeberg said.If you want to adjust to a new bedtime or wake-up time, do so gradually. “People shouldn’t be adjusting their bed time or rise times by large amounts,” Schneeberg said.
It’s been a rough pandemic; we’ve all gone through trauma in one way or another. If you’re struggling with feelings of anxiety and depression right now, especially at night, know that you’re not alone. Make a plan to talk to a specialist who can help you address your emotional and mental health needs and work toward getting your sleep back on track.
Schneeberg recommends locking in a morning routine with a cup of caffeine, some physical activity, a meal, exposure to sunlight and some kind of social interaction. Together, these things – especially soaking in some sunlight – will kick your circadian rhythm into gear, promote wakefulness, and get your body up and running.these devices emit activates our brain and keeps up awake and alert.