Listen, we know that there’s a tonne of things to get sorted before the biggest day of your life, but that’s not to say you can’t cope; it will get done. However, when you are looking for inspiration to help you create a magical day or you’re stressing about table plans, your sleep can be affected as a result.
We know that you want to look as positively perfect and healthy on your big day, and the close correlation between enjoying regular, better-quality slumber is a large contributing factor in you achieving this
Alas, pre-wedding day nerves and anxiousness can often result in a bunch of unsettled nights. The Sleep Advisor are on hand to give you a handful of informative, easy-to-use tips on how you can remain cool and stress-free in the lead-up to the wedding, while also racking up some well-earned, much-needed sleep too.
1. Try sleep aids
If you’re finding yourself worrying about things and not sleeping soundly as a result, you can try the benefits that sleep aids offer. There is a range of free apps for smart devices in app stores you can turn to.
You can also give white noise machines a go too. White noise devices act to effectively block out any noises which might be distracting you from getting to sleep, while also producing soothing sounds to help you unwind and sleep peacefully.
2. Strip off
You might feel cosy and content when you slip on your PJs and wrap up under the sheets at night, but sleeping naked has the ability to offer a host of benefits you can reap.
Studies reveal that not having the right internal body temperature when you are trying to sleep can halt your attempts to drift off. Therefore, by not giving your body the chance to regulate its temperature by wearing pyjamas and other night clothes, for example, it can inhibit you from attaining deeper stages of sleep to rest effectively.
3. Leave the alcohol alone
Okay, for many people this is going to be out of the question on the big day, but apart from the hen party, it’s seriously advisable to cut alcohol from your life altogether.
Not only is alcohol packed with sugar and calories to give you issues fitting into your dress properly, it reduces your REM sleep; this is the stage of sleep where deep dreaming occurs.
By missing out on REM sleep, you can suffer increased feelings of drowsiness during the day, so give booze a miss and reach for healthy options like green tea to help you stay hydrated. You’ll enjoy more benefits from herbal teas too!
4. Skip the caffeine
Ouch! Another one that you think will have been helping you get through these hectic times. However, caffeine is a stimulant, so it effectively keeps you awake.
You want to avoid these types of stimulants, or if you do have a coffee, for example, ensure it’s at least six hours before you slide off to bed or you sleep troubles will be intensified.
5. Stay active
You might be thinking that we’re nuts for trying to pile more things for you to do on top of an already packed schedule, but regularly exercising will help you to feel better, look good, think more clearly and it will also give you a small break from all the planning!
6. Think about the foods that can help
You might well be keeping a close eye on what you eat as the big day approaches, but if it’s a healthy energy boost you need, stick to foods that have tryptophan in them.
This is a naturally-occurring amino acid that helps to produce serotonin, which in turn produces the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin. Some examples of good foods you can eat that contain tryptophan are:
- Milk
- Yoghurt
- Bananas
- Eggs
7. Put the smart devices down (TV too)!
However tricky this might be, and we’re more than aware of how hard this could be, do your best to leave the phones and tablets alone at least an hour or two before you go to bed (this includes when you’re in bed as well).
They emit a blue light that halts your melatonin release, and thus keeps your awake. And while we’re on the subject, TV can have detrimental effects on your sleep cycle as it supports staying up later than you would normally to finish episodes, or if something good is about to come on and you don’t want to miss it.
8. Create a sleep haven
A final and vital point to observe; your bed should be as comfortable and tailored to your needs as possible.
This can be something as big as having the right mattress, to swapping out pillows for ones that promote better sleep or even selecting a better-quality of sheet. Just ensure you’re cool, comfy and calm and a sound night’s sleep will ensue before your special day.
essential oils and listening to yoga songs will help a lot to have a good night sleep…