Hey there, fellow sleep-strugglers! If you’ve been finding yourself wide awake at 2 AM lately, counting everything from sheep to ceiling tiles, you’re not alone. Taking Control of My Sleep has become a crucial focus as I work to overcome hormonal havoc and schedule chaos.  It has been a frustrating couple of weeks of poor sleep quality and then just feeling “off” during the day and not being as productive. I was at a networking event just last night and the speaker had some great ideas for helping to improve the quality of sleep, specifically as female business owners. In this post, I’ll share the changes I’m making to improve my sleep quality and manage the disruptions that affect my rest. Discover the strategies and adjustments that can help you reclaim your sleep, find balance, and enhance your overall well-being.

1. Establishing a Bedtime Ritual

First on the list is creating a bedtime ritual that signals our bodies that it’s time to wind down. This means no screens an hour before bed, instead, try to do some gentle stretching and read a physical book. I’m working on making this a nightly routine to help my body recognize that it’s time to sleep.

2. Sticking to a Consistent Sleep Schedule

I’ve been all over the place with my sleep times, so I’m committing to going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, weekends included. I already typically get up at the same time…but the going to bed time has been all over the place lately, but I know my body needs this consistency to reset its internal clock.

3. Incorporating Mindfulness and Gratitude

To quiet your racing thoughts, consider adding mindfulness and gratitude to my evening routine. A few minutes of deep breathing or writing in your gratitude journal can work wonders.

4. Watching My Diet and Hydration

I’ve noticed that what I eat and drink impacts my sleep more than I realized. Last week, I drank sweet tea with dinner on date night and boy did I pay for it!! I think I’m still trying to catch up on the lost sleep from that one night!! So, I’m making sure I don’t have caffeine in the afternoons/evenings and being more mindful to stay hydrated throughout the day. A light, healthy snack before bed, like a banana or a handful of almonds, will be my new norm to help me sleep more soundly.

5. Seeking Hormonal Balance

Since hormones are a big part of my sleep issues, I’m looking into natural ways to balance them. Supplements like magnesium, vitamin B6, and omega-3s are on my list to try.

6. Limiting Screen Time

I’ve been guilty of scrolling late into the night, but I’m committing to cutting back on screen time before bed. The blue light from screens can mess with melatonin levels, so I’m making it a rule to turn off all screens at least an hour before bedtime.

7. Listening to My Body

Lastly, I need to tune in to what my body needs. Some nights, it might need more rest, and on others, it might need a bit of gentle movement. Balancing exercise with restful activities will be key in finding what works best for me.

So, there you have it. These are the changes I’m making to take control of my sleep. It’s a work in progress, but I’m determined to make it happen. If you’re in the same boat, why not join me on this journey? Let’s reclaim our nights and wake up refreshed, ready to conquer the day. Here’s to better sleep ahead—sweet dreams, everyone! 🌙✨