What Should You Not Do Before Sleeping?

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, getting a good night’s sleep often takes a backseat. Yet, the significance of quality sleep for our overall well-being cannot be overstated at all. Sleep is not merely a state of rest; it’s a restorative process that impacts our physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance.

In fact, according to an article by ScienceDirect, over a combined 39% of adults in the US surveyed consume caffeine in the late afternoon and evening hours, affecting their ability to fall asleep and enjoy restorative sleep cycles. This shows the lack of attention and consideration given to answering the question, “What should you not do before sleeping?”

So, to unlock the full potential of sleep, it’s crucial to cultivate healthy pre-sleep habits. In this article, we go into the activities you should steer clear of before bedtime to ensure a peaceful and rejuvenating night’s rest.

The Impact of Pre-Sleep Habits

The routines we follow before going to bed have a significant impact on the quality of our sleep. The body operates on a natural circadian rhythm, an internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles. When our pre-sleep activities align with this rhythm, it can significantly enhance our sleep quality. However, certain behaviours can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to restless nights and groggy mornings. Let’s take a look at the habits you should avoid.

Activities to Avoid Before Bedtime

1. Screen Time

The soft glow of screens can be alluring, especially as we wind down for the night. However, blue light from devices like phones, tablets, computers, and TVs is well known for suppressing the hormone that controls sleep, melatonin. Studies have shown that exposure to blue light before sleep can interfere with our body’s ability to naturally prepare for rest. To mitigate this, experts recommend a digital detox at least an hour before bedtime. Instead of scrolling through social media or binge-watching shows, consider picking up a physical book or engaging in relaxation techniques.

2. Heavy Meals and Caffeine

Indulging in a hearty meal right before bed might seem tempting, but it can spell trouble for your sleep. Consuming large, heavy meals can lead to discomfort and indigestion as your body struggles to process the food. Similarly, caffeine—the beloved wake-up elixir—can wreak havoc on your sleep schedule if consumed too close to bedtime. Its stimulating effects can persist for hours, making it difficult to fall asleep. To foster better sleep, opt for light, easily digestible meals in the evening and limit caffeine intake several hours before retiring for the night.

3. Navigating the Exercise-Sleep Balance

Physical activity is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, contributing to improved cardiovascular health, enhanced mood, and overall well-being. However, the timing of your workouts can have a significant impact on your sleep quality. Engaging in vigorous exercise close to bedtime can lead to a state of heightened alertness and physical arousal that makes it challenging for your body to transition smoothly into sleep mode.

Navigating the Exercise-Sleep Balance

Intense physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. While this is highly beneficial for your mood and health during the day, it can lead to an elevated heart rate and increased body temperature—factors that are not conducive to falling asleep. The adrenaline rush that accompanies intense workouts can leave your mind and body in a state of stimulation, making it difficult to wind down.

The Gentle Approach

If you’re keen on staying active in the evening, consider adopting a gentler approach to exercise. Gentle stretches and calming yoga sequences can serve as an excellent alternative to intense workouts, especially as you near bedtime. These activities encourage relaxation, helping your body transition from the heightened state of exercise to the restful state required for sleep.

Stretching and Yoga

Stretching and yoga promote flexibility, improve circulation, and ease muscle tension—all factors that contribute to relaxation and a calm state of mind. Incorporating a sequence of gentle stretches or a simple yoga routine in the evening can help release physical tension accumulated throughout the day. This practice not only prepares your muscles for relaxation but also encourages a deep connection between your body and your breath, promoting a sense of mindfulness that aligns with restful sleep.

Creating an Evening Routine

As the sun sets and you begin to wind down, consider integrating gentle stretches or a short yoga session into your evening routine. Allocate a quiet, dedicated space for your practice, away from distractions and bright lights. Engage in movements that feel comfortable and soothing, focusing on deep breaths and mindful awareness.

By adopting these relaxation practices, you signal to your body that it’s time to shift gears, letting go of the stresses of the day and embracing the calmness required for a peaceful night’s sleep. Remember that consistency is key; over time, this evening routine can become a soothing ritual that helps you transition effortlessly from an active day to a restorative night’s rest.

4. Stressful Work or Study

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s common to find ourselves immersed in work or study tasks until the late hours. However, engaging in mentally demanding activities before bed can leave your mind racing and anxious, making it difficult to unwind. To create a conducive environment for sleep, establish a cutoff time for work-related tasks. This buffer period allows your mind to shift gears and ease into a state of relaxation, setting the stage for a restful night’s sleep.

5. Alcohol and Smoking

Many individuals turn to alcohol in the belief that it helps induce sleep. While it may initially feel sedating, alcohol disrupts the sleep cycle, leading to fragmented and shallow sleep. The sleep quality achieved under the influence of alcohol is far from restorative. Similarly, nicotine, found in tobacco products, is a stimulant that can interfere with your ability to fall asleep. Steering clear of alcohol and avoiding nicotine before bedtime can significantly improve your sleep patterns.

Healthy Alternatives for Pre-Sleep Routine

1. Relaxation Techniques

Now let’s look at what to do before sleeping. As the evening settles in, it’s obviously essential to create an atmosphere of tranquilly to signal to your body that it’s time to unwind. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can work wonders. These practices encourage a sense of calm, lower stress levels, and help you transition into a state of relaxation conducive to sleep.

2. Sleep-Conducive Environment

Crafting an environment that supports sleep is key to a restful night. Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and comfortable. Consider using blackout curtains to block out external light and investing in a mattress and pillows that provide proper support. A conducive sleep environment sets the stage for deep and uninterrupted slumber.

3. Light Snacks

If you find yourself feeling peckish before bedtime, opting for a light snack can be a better choice than indulging in a heavy meal. Foods rich in tryptophan, such as a small bowl of yoghurt or a banana, can promote the production of serotonin, a precursor to melatonin, and aid in sleep induction. Remember to keep the portion small to avoid discomfort.

Sleep-Inducing Snacks:

Bananas: Nature’s sleep aid, bananas are not only rich in tryptophan but also contain magnesium and potassium, minerals known for their muscle-relaxing properties. The combination of these nutrients can help ease tension and promote relaxation, making bananas an excellent choice for a pre-sleep snack.
Yoghurt: A small bowl of yoghurt is not only a refreshing snack but also a source of tryptophan. The probiotics present in yoghurt can also contribute to a healthy gut, indirectly impacting sleep quality. Opt for plain or Greek yoghurt for a protein boost without the added sugars found in flavoured varieties.
Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are among the nut varieties that contain tryptophan. These nuts are also rich in healthy fats and fibre, providing sustained energy release throughout the night.

4. Portion Control: The Key to Comfort

While sleep-inducing snacks can be beneficial, it’s crucial to practice portion control, especially close to bedtime. Consuming a large portion, even of sleep-promoting foods, can lead to discomfort and interfere with sleep. Aim for a modest serving size—a small banana, a small bowl of yoghurt, or a handful of nuts—to satisfy your hunger without overwhelming your digestive system.

Additionally, timing matters. Enjoy your pre-sleep snack at least an hour before bedtime to allow your body sufficient time to digest before you lay down. This can prevent discomfort and ensure that your body is in a relaxed state when you drift off to sleep.

5. Bedtime Rituals

Creating a consistent bedtime routine can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. Engage in calming activities such as reading a book (a physical one, preferably), taking a warm bath, or practicing gentle stretches. These rituals not only help your body relax but also serve as cues that prepare your mind for sleep.

Personalising Your Sleep Space

The environment in which you sleep plays a pivotal role in the quality of your rest. Your bedroom should be a sanctuary that promotes relaxation and comfort. Beyond adjusting the lighting and investing in quality bedding, personal touches can create an ambiance conducive to sleep.

Consider incorporating soothing scents through aromatherapy diffusers or linen sprays. Lavender, for instance, is known for its calming properties and can help induce a sense of tranquility. Declutter your sleeping space to create a clutter-free and serene environment that minimises distractions.

Temperature is another vital factor. Keep your bedroom comfortably cool, as a cooler environment tends to promote better sleep. Experiment with different elements until you find the right combination that lulls you into a restful slumber night after night.

The Ideal Pre-Sleep Wind-Down Routine

Creating a consistent pre-sleep wind-down routine is like sending a signal to your body that it’s time to transition from the day’s activities to a state of relaxation. Consider crafting a sequence of calming activities that suit your preferences and lifestyle. Start by dimming the lights to mimic the setting sun, signalling to your body that nighttime is approaching.

Engage in activities that soothe your senses—a warm bath infused with calming essential oils, soft music that promotes relaxation, or the simple pleasure of sipping herbal tea. Disconnect from the digital world and spend some time reading a physical book, jotting down a few lines in a gratitude journal, or engaging in light stretching. These deliberate actions can ease your mind and body into a state of calm, setting the stage for a night of rejuvenating sleep.

Final Words

What should you do before sleeping? Well, in the pursuit of better sleep, it’s crucial to recognise the impact of pre-sleep habits on sleep quality. By avoiding activities like excessive screen time, heavy meals, intense exercise, and stress-inducing work, you can pave the way for a restful night’s sleep too.

Embracing relaxation techniques, curating a sleep-conducive environment, choosing light snacks, and establishing bedtime rituals are effective strategies for promoting better sleep hygiene. Remember, the path to restful sleep begins with thoughtful choices in the hours leading up to bedtime. Prioritise these choices, and you’ll be well on your way to waking up refreshed and revitalised each morning.