This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sleep Number for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
Can you believe it’s already the middle of May? I don’t know about you, but it seems like this year is going by so fast! My kids only have one more week left of school before summer break starts! However, did you know that May is also Better Sleep Month? Better Sleep Month is promoted by The Better Sleep Council, which aims to raise awareness about the benefits of better sleep and how poor sleep can actually disrupt our lives. Last month, I shared with you my own personal struggles of getting sleep and how I felt that a Sleep Number bed with SleepIQ® technology and DualAir™ technology would help.
Research says it takes 30 days to break a bad habit, so in honor of Better Sleep Month; Sleep Number is asking fans to share ways that they will #CommitToSleep. That means until I get my Sleep Number bed, I am going to take other steps that will help me #CommitToSleep. Let’s face it healthy sleep habits, or practicing good “sleep hygiene,” is important for your overall health. People who get enough sleep have better focus, a stronger immune system, and are even shown to be thinner than people who don’t get proper sleep. If you are finding it hard to fall asleep and/or stay asleep at night, you may wake up feeling sluggish, irritable, and even under the weather. You can change that with proper sleep hygiene. Here are some great tips to achieve a strong sleep routine in no time at all.
Make a schedule and stick to it: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on the weekends. This will help your body get used to a schedule so that you can fall asleep and stay sleep easier. This doesn’t mean you cannot make exceptions when life calls for it, but try to limit those to weekends and not during the week so you get more of a routine during the week to get proper amounts of sleep.
Don’t nap: If you want a nap during the day, get up and get moving instead. Sleeping during the day can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep at night. It will get you into a fragmented sleep schedule, which won’t actually help you feel more rested long term.
Unplug: Scientists have discovered that the brain is affected by bright lights, and even blue lights, at night. When these lights are present before bed, it makes it harder for your brain to shut off and can interfere with your sleep. Stop looking at your phone, computer, and television at least an hour before bed to give your brain time to unplug and relax.
Limit caffeine in the evening: Caffeine is a great pick-me-up in the morning and throughout the day, but it can actually be making it hard for you to sleep. Limit caffeine when you can, and don’t drink it at least four hours before bed to give your body time to process it. This also goes for sugary foods and cigarettes, which can all make you wired and not ready for bed.
Exercise: Exercise can help give you natural energy and helps you to get into a routine, which your body needs for proper sleep. Just don’t exercise at least two hours before bed so that your body has time to wind down. You can, however, do light stretches to help you start relaxing and as part of a nighttime routine.
Get Comfortable: If your bed isn’t comfy, try to make it comfortable. New pillows, a clean mattress, and even a pillow between the knees to alleviate lower back pressure and pain can all help you get a better night’s sleep. However, I highly recommend you to invest in a Sleep Number bed! Trust me I wouldn’t say that about a lot of things, but I truly feel that everyone needs a sleep number bed! Just go in the store, test them out yourself, and see what I mean! To find the store closest to you be sure to check out the Sleep Number store locator. 
The best part with the SleepIQ® technology you can track almost all of these things I have listed above like caffeine intake, diet, exercise, television, media usage and medications. You can use this knowledge to identify trends and make changes over time; from the ideal comfort, firmness and support of your bed – your SLEEP NUMBER® setting, to adjusting daily routines like diet and exercise.
The best part there is there is nothing to wear, nothing to turn on.
In the comments below tell me how you plan to #CommitToSleepSweeps for May’s Better Sleep Month. Also be sure to enter Sleep Number’s sweepstakes by sharing your commitment on Instagram or Twitter with #CommitToSleep, or by visiting sleepnumber.com/committosleep#sweeps.
