Better Sleep and How to Achieve It

The science is in: Getting good sleep may be one of the best things we can do for ourselves in order to achieve good health, long life, and consistent well-being. Even so, for such a crucial process, sleep can be problematic and elusive for many. Stress, demanding schedules, and any number of other factors can negatively impact our sleep cycles, leaving us feeling sluggish — or even sick. 

If you struggle with getting adequate sleep, here are some tips that might help you to deep-six the insomnia and drift off to dreamland more reliably.  

Create a Better Sleep Environment 

It seems like a fairly obvious observation, but our bedrooms should first and foremost be peaceful spaces of rest. Even so, we all too often don’t consider this when furnishing and decorating these areas. So it’s always worth bringing some intention to the spaces where we’ll be getting our sleep hours in. Blackout curtains can help shut out street lights and morning sun that can interrupt rest. Aromatherapy oil diffusers often help soothe stress. Covering blinking LEDs on electronics in the room eliminates visual distractions. Creating better sleep often begins with crafting a restful ambience.

Wind Down the Screen Tech…

The pulse of modern life is full of conveniences. However, when said conveniences turn into distractions that prevent us from achieving the rest we need, they can be a hindrance. So, while it can be tempting to unwind with some streaming TV, scrolling through social media on a phone or tablet, or catching up on a little “light” reading before bed, we may want to reconsider. A recent Harvard University study concerning the effects of so-called “blue light” on our sleep patterns demonstrates an incontrovertible link between nighttime screen sessions and poor rest, so it’s advisable to limit tech time before bedtime.  

…But Make Use of Sleep Tech

Even though staring at a screen can have an adverse effect on your rest, there are other tech options which can have the opposite effect. Regardless of your smartphone’s operating system, both Google Play and Apple’s App Store have numerous apps geared toward helping you achieve superior sleep. Apps like Headspace, Calm, and Sleepa offer relaxing audio that ranges from guided meditations to white noise to gentle nature sounds. Paired with a Bluetooth sleep mask (that both pipes these relaxing tones into your ears and shuts out light), better sleep could be just a download away.

Get Active

Gentle exercise can be a great way to relax the mind and body while burning off excess energy after a long days’ productivity. Devotees of yoga swear by not just its spirit-centering benefits, but also its ability to help the body unwind and prepare for better rest. Many practitioners also swear by strength and stretching-centered activities like Pilates, or even tai chi. Finding the sweet spot between a high-energy activity like impactful cardio or weight training and a lighter (but still effective) regimen may take some dialing in, but experimenting with different fitness practices may help you find a peaceful place.     

Natural Sleep Help

Many insomnia sufferers turn to natural sleep aids or supplements in order to achieve better rest. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps your body produce a sleep response, and over-the-counter supplements containing measured dosages are available at any pharmacy. Valerian root is another herbal concentrate that many people report as being beneficial for drifting off. Botanicals like chamomile, lavender, or passionflower are frequently consumed as teas, introduced into the air as diffused oils, or even dried and used as potpourri in order to induce sleep.

Opt for a Change of Scenery

If you’re struggling with how to get better sleep, Pacific Terrace can help. Our guests often tell us that they experience excellent rest while staying with us. Our comfortably appointed rooms, peaceful setting, and oceanside location (where gentle Pacific waves rhythmically lap the shore outside your private balcony), all contribute to our incredibly calming ambiance. Of course, vitamin D levels have also been shown to have a positive impact on circadian rhythms, so what better way to prepare for a good night’s rest than spending it soaking up some sun on our beautiful beach? Either way, a calming escape awaits when you allow us to be your hosts in sunny San Diego. When you’re ready to check in and drift away, we’re ready to help.