5 Natural Ways to Make Yourself Tired and Sleep Better

1. Get Moving: Exercise to Exhaustion

Exercise is a great way to make yourself tired and improve your sleep quality. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that can help you feel relaxed and reduce stress levels. Additionally, physical activity can tire out your muscles, making you feel more physically fatigued.

To make yourself tired through exercise, aim for a vigorous workout that will challenge your body. This could include high-intensity interval training, weightlifting, or a long run. The key is to push yourself to the point of exhaustion, so your body craves rest and recovery.

However, it’s important to time your workouts appropriately. Exercising too close to bedtime can actually make it harder to fall asleep, as your body will still be in an elevated state. Aim to finish your workout at least 2-3 hours before you plan to go to bed, so your body has time to wind down and relax.

2. Wind Down: Establish a Relaxing Bedtime Routine

Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine can help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. This can include a variety of activities, such as taking a warm bath or shower, reading a book, or practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises.

The key is to find activities that you enjoy and that help you relax. Avoid stimulating activities, such as working or watching TV, as these can make it harder for your body to wind down.

It’s also important to establish a consistent bedtime routine and stick to it as much as possible. This can help regulate your body’s internal clock and improve your overall sleep quality. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends, to help establish a consistent sleep schedule.

3. Reduce Stimulants: Limit Caffeine and Screen Time

Stimulants, such as caffeine and screen time, can make it harder to fall asleep and reduce the overall quality of your sleep. To make yourself tired and improve your sleep, it’s important to reduce your consumption of these substances.

Limit your caffeine intake to earlier in the day, and avoid consuming caffeine within several hours of bedtime. Additionally, try to limit your overall screen time, particularly in the evening. The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with your body’s natural sleep cycles, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

If you must use electronic devices in the evening, consider using blue light filters or apps that adjust the color temperature of your screen to reduce the impact on your sleep. It’s also a good idea to avoid using electronic devices in bed, as this can further disrupt your sleep patterns.

4. Create a Comfortable Sleeping Environment

Creating a comfortable sleeping environment can help improve the quality of your sleep and make it easier to fall asleep. This can include a variety of factors, such as temperature, lighting, and noise levels.

Try to keep your bedroom cool and comfortable, as a warmer environment can make it harder to fall asleep. Additionally, consider investing in comfortable bedding and pillows that help you feel relaxed and supported.

It’s also important to minimize noise and light levels in your sleeping environment. Use blackout curtains or blinds to block out external light sources, and consider using a white noise machine or earplugs to reduce noise levels.

Finally, try to keep your bedroom as a designated sleep space, rather than a place for work or other activities. This can help your brain associate your bedroom with rest and relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

5. Regulate Your Sleep Cycle: Stick to a Consistent Schedule

Regulating your sleep cycle and sticking to a consistent schedule can help improve the overall quality of your sleep and make it easier to fall asleep and wake up each day.

Try to establish a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This can help regulate your body’s internal clock and improve your sleep quality.

Additionally, avoid napping during the day, as this can disrupt your sleep cycle and make it harder to fall asleep at night. If you must nap, limit it to 20-30 minutes and avoid napping late in the day.

Finally, be patient as you adjust to a new sleep schedule. It can take time for your body to adapt to a new routine, so be consistent and stick with it. Over time, you should notice an improvement in the overall quality of your sleep and how well-rested you feel each day.