From The Straits Times    |

 

Photo: serpeblu

1. GET ENOUGH SLEEP THE NIGHT BEFORE

This seems obvious but it’s shocking how many of us don’t actually know how much sleep is enough for our bodies to function at an optimum level in the morning. Be realistic with yourself and ask yourself how many hours of slumber you really need. Some of us need five hours of rest while others may need eight. As long as you’re not short changing yourself, you should be able to wake up fresh and raring to go in the AM.

2. TRAIN YOUR BODY TO WIND DOWN

Sometimes your body needs external signals to realise that it’s time to power down. Begin by lowering the light sources in your home. Switch off some lights so the indoor glare isn’t so harsh. Also, try to refrain from using technlogy at least two hours before you want to go to sleep

3. DON’T EAT CERTAIN FOODS BEFORE BED

Be aware of how food and drinks affect your sleep cycle. Next time you want to reach for that nightcap to help you doze off, stop. There’s plenty of evidence that alcohol does not improve sleep quality, even though it might feel that way. Also, many of us like to indulge in a little bit of dessert after dinner most nights but beware of sugar as it can raise your insulin levels so you’ll feel restless at bedtime.

4. COFFEE IS YOUR FRIEND (BUT NOT IN THE WAY YOU THINK)

Coffee is deceptively important. While a hit of caffeine in the morning is nice, it’s actually the preparation time that will aid your AM routine. The process of boiling water and brewing your cuppa keeps you occupied, giving your body and brain a chance to truly wake up and think about the day. Don’t drink coffee? Just have something else to do like, cleaning up your house, to give yourself time to reboot.

5. DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF LIGHT

We’re hard-wired to wake up when it’s light and get sleepy when it’s dark. If you need to wake up before sunrise, you need artificial light to stimulate your senses so you don’t feel groggy when you get up. Turn on every single light in your immediate vicinity as soon as you’re awake and this should help.

 

This article was first published on Singapore Women’s Weekly.