Sleep Hygiene and Why You Need to Master It

Photo by Logan Nolin on Unsplash

When the importance of sleep hygiene was first mentioned to me, the terminology did not ring a bell. Did I need to shower right before I went to bed? Did I need to make sure I changed my sheets every three days along with making up my bed every morning? Did I have to absolutely make sure I brushed my teeth, flossed, and completed my three-step skin routine before hitting the sheets?

Sleep hygiene, according to the National Sleep Foundation, is “a variety of different practices and habits that are necessary to have good nighttime sleep quality and full daytime alertness.”

A good sleep routine is necessary because good sleep is necessary for a productive day. A sleep routine is nothing more than steps you will take nightly to ensure that you will have a good night’s sleep.

I have been practicing good sleep hygiene for the past few weeks, and I must say, it has made a huge difference in my ability to fall asleep and my sleep quality. I no longer take an hour or two to fall asleep, I don’t wake up throughout the night, and I also wake up at the same time every morning. This has led to me being more alert and less tired throughout the day.

Here are the sleep routine steps and practices that have improved my sleep quality tremendously: