7 Ways to Score Better Sleep in the New Year

Many of the most popular New Year's resolutions focus on getting healthier by losing some weight or ditching a harmful habit. But one of the most crucial parts of better health is sadly missing from the typical resolution lists. We're talking about high-quality sleep, of course!

Although most of us know how important sleep is to living a healthy lifestyle, very few American adults can say they make it a top priority. In fact, plenty of people sacrifice sleep for finishing up a work project, having a Netflix marathon, or doing some chores.

We're here to help you get healthier by scoring better sleep in the New Year and beyond! Keep reading to check out the top 7 ways to set goals for getting an amazing night's rest 365 days a year.

1. Set a Better Sleep Goal

Now that you know what a great New Year’s resolution sleeping better is for your health and happiness, it’s time to make it happen. Your first step should be officially choosing your better sleep goal for the upcoming year.

Maybe it’s getting a full 8 hours of sleep each night. Or do you want to master easier mornings? No matter how you want to improve your life with the time you spend in bed, make sure you set a clear goal in your mind.

2. Get Motivated

Once you’ve set your New Year’s sleep goal, you need to zero in on getting motivated to achieve it. To jumpstart your motivation levels, you need to think about the benefits you’ll get from better sleep, and then keep them present in your mind.

Try creating a “benefits board” in your bedroom with reminders of why you want better sleep in the first place. Write out the biggest benefits you’ll unlock with better sleep and make sure you'll see them every day. Think of things like weight loss, increased energy in the mornings, or overall improved health.

3. Outline Your Plan

After you get good and motivated, your next step should be to create a clear plan for achieving your better sleep goal. You want to get specific when outlining your plan and make gradual changes over time.

For example, if you want to get to bed earlier in the New Year, plan to turn in 10 minutes earlier each night until you’ve reached your ideal bedtime. Just be sure not to put off putting your plan into action – remember that procrastination is the enemy of motivation!

4. Create a Sleep Haven

One of the best ways to help yourself get better sleep all year long is by creating a comfortable place to snooze the night away. Your first step should be to keep your bedroom organized and clear from clutter.

Next, remove all distractions from your sleeping area. Start by turning off electronics and lowering the temperature. You might even want to add some light-filtering curtains to the windows. All of this will go a long way to creating the ultimate sleep haven in your bedroom.

5. Avoid Sneaky Stimulants

If your sleep goal is falling asleep faster in the New Year, you need to minimize your caffeine intake in the afternoon. You should ditch the coffee and caffeinated tea at least four hours before bedtime for the best results.

Switch to sleep-friendly drinks and food later in the day and keep an eye out for hidden sources of caffeine like chocolate, ice cream, and iced tea. You’ll find it much easier to fall asleep and stay that way!

6. Prevent “Weekend Lag”

Creating a regular sleep schedule is a great way to get better sleep in the upcoming year. That means making every effort to turn in and wake up at the same time every day. And yes, we even mean on the weekends or your days off.

Believe it or not, being able to avoid weekend sleep debt is easier than you might think. Sticking to a sleep schedule will help you ward off the jet lag feeling that comes with waking up early after a couple of late nights in a row. Your body will thank you, trust us!

7. Practice Smart Napping

If you enjoy taking a nap or two during the week, you’ll be happy to hear that you can continue your afternoon snooze sessions without ruining your nights. You just need to learn how to nap smarter.

Some good napping tips and tricks include limiting them to less than 30 minutes and avoiding caffeine afterward. You’ll get all the benefits of a relaxing nap, without any disturbances to your regular sleep schedule.

Get Lulled to Sleep This Year

Whether you’re looking to fall asleep faster or stay asleep longer in the New Year, one thing remains the same. You need a supportive and comfy mattress to help you sink into a year full of restful nights.