Sleepless nights? Try these 7 stress relief techniques to sleep better!

Your mind may be whirling after a hard day at work, a disagreement with a partner, or any other event during the day. There are several benefits to mastering the art of sleeping during periods of intense tension and anxiety.

The quality of your sleep quickly declines, and you may begin to experience sleeplessness. You can’t get to sleep because you’re too worried about the next day. Learn more about this on SweetIslandDreams.com.

Anxiety makes it difficult to shut off your thoughts and unwind at the end of the day. Your thoughts keep circling back to the same unresolved issue, discussion, or train of thought. For many, sleep is elusive.

Here are some tips to unwind and get some shut-eye before a stressful day.

Try These 7 Stress Relief Techniques To Sleep Better

Getting a good night’s sleep free from tension and anxiety starts far before you hit the hay. So let’s take a look at some daily habits that can aid in a more restful night’s sleep.

1. Create a ritual for bedtime

Doing the same thing every night before bed can train your brain to start winding down for the day at that point. The mind is given the cue that it can start winding down in anticipation of sleep.

Consistency is key for the brain to take notice of when you engage in this practice.

You may, for instance, cleanse your face, brush your teeth, and then relax with a good book. Then again, some people like to unwind by stretching or having tea before bed. 

You should start your routine at least 30 minutes before you plan to go to sleep, and there is no “bad” pattern as long as it helps you relax.

2. Practice deep breathing

You start breathing quicker as your anxiety rises, and before you realize it, your brain is getting too little oxygen, which further amplifies the stress reaction and feeds the vicious cycle. 

Calming your breath is one of the quickest and easiest strategies to break the pattern. Repeatedly inhaling and exhaling deep breaths has been shown to calm the body and mind.

3. Put away all the gadgets

As complicated as life has become, this is especially true in the present day. Melatonin is a crucial hormone that helps us get to sleep, but unfortunately, even with the light filters on, our devices still deplete it.

Think about the kind of task you’re completing on the gadget as well. An example of this would be checking email or social media accounts for the last time.

Instead of signaling your mind to start winding down, you might be giving it the green light to start racing. This is a bad habit in and of itself, and it can lead to more stress and worry at bedtime.

4. No stimulants

Avoiding stimulants like alcohol, coffee, and smoking will help you get a good night’s rest. However, even if you stop drinking caffeine many hours before night, it may still affect your ability to fall asleep and keep you awake.

Furthermore, contrary to popular belief, drinking often has the reverse effect of helping one go to sleep. As a matter of fact, drinking alcohol right before bed will cause you to wake up frequently throughout the night.

Swap out your traditional nightcap for a cup of chamomile tea, which has been shown to improve sleep quality.

5. Journaling

Keeping a journal can be a useful tool for uncovering the sources of stress and overcoming them. 

Writing your issues down can help you feel better because you’re finally giving them some attention. 

In addition, you can monitor your development and look for patterns of achievement that could serve as coping mechanisms.

6. Prayer and meditation

Praying and meditating both allow you to quiet your thoughts and concentrate on something specific. 

The key is to quiet your mind and find some serenity amidst the chaos of the day. Doing them on a regular basis teaches your mind to relax and let go of all worries.

7. Progressive muscle relaxation

By tensing and then relaxing your muscles in phases, beginning with your toes and working your way up to your head, you can achieve a state of deep relaxation. 

This has the dual benefit of soothing the body and mind. It helps to focus attention and calms the mind.

Final Thoughts

Stress can have various sources and manifestations. So don’t fret if anxious thoughts keep you up at night. Many folks can’t sleep after stressful occurrences.

There is still hope! You can’t change the stressors keeping you up, but you can modify how you react to them. Use our stress-reduction tips before bed.

Moreover, if you’re feeling stressed out to the point that you need assistance, don’t be afraid to ask for it. So if you need assistance getting through this difficult time in your life, don’t hesitate to reach out to a friend, loved one, or expert.

Last Updated on December 1, 2022 by Lucy Clarke