We all know sleep is crucial to our health - during sleep we consolidate memory, generate muscle tissue and strengthen our immune system, amongst many other things. To facilitate a good night's sleep, turn your bedroom into a temple of sleep! Here's how, according to Ayurveda:
🌙 Cut out your caffeine and sugar consumption after 3pm. Your body will have a tough time closing up shop for the night if you have sugary, caffeinated substances running through your system.
🌙 Avoid exercise right before bed, but move your body during the day - take the stairs, go for a walk, do yoga, and get active! Your body is designed to be in motion during the day and at rest at night.
🌙 Drink hot spiced milk before bed. Try a hot cup with a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg. The spices are cleansing for your body, and the nutmeg is calming.
🌙 Give yourself some screen-free quiet time for at least an hour before bed by turning off your phone, computer, TV, and tablet. This gives your brain a chance to switch from active mode to sleep mode.
🌙 Immediately before sleep, sit quietly and comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Even five minutes of this is enough to start resting the mind.
🌙 Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
Keep in mind that each person has a different routine and dominant doshas (bio-energies). An Ayurvedic expert can help analyse your sleep behavior and define personalised strategies to improve the quality of your sleep.