What protocols are recommended for improving sleep?
Sources:
To improve sleep, several protocols and strategies are recommended. Key among these are maintaining sleep regularity, controlling sleep environment factors like light and temperature, and using specific behavioral therapies:
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Regular Sleep Schedule: Consistency is crucial. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, including weekends, helps anchor your circadian rhythm and improves sleep quality [1].
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Control Light Exposure: Reduce light exposure in the evening to enhance melatonin production. Dimming lights about 50% an hour before bed can significantly aid sleep onset [1].
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Temperature Regulation: Keeping your bedroom cool promotes deep sleep. Regular physical activity also improves sleep's electrical quality [2].
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CBT for Insomnia: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTI) is highly recommended for those struggling with sleep. This includes techniques like bedtime rescheduling to make sleep more efficient [3].
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Limiting Bed Time: For insomnia sufferers, limiting time in bed can help force more efficient sleep, avoiding extended wakefulness [3].
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Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR): Techniques like yoga nidra and hypnosis can help teach your brain and nervous system to relax and facilitate sleep without medication [4].
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Supplementation: Some find benefit in using supplements like Magnesium Threonate, apigenin, or theanine, but it's important to isolate and test which works best for you [5].
These strategies, when applied consistently, can significantly enhance both the quality and quantity of your sleep.
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