Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Sleep Challenge: Week 1


The other day I stumbled upon an article offering X number of ideas for achieving Y. You know, ones that often turn out to be click-bait. In this case it promised tips for improving sleep quality: http://www.mommypotamus.com/sleep-tips/

I was pleasantly surprised to find some good ideas in there, as opposed to just time management ideas for making yourself go to bed on time.


A few that I can say I've already tried:

-taking Magnesium
-cutting out caffeine
-making the room dark for sleep
-getting some light exercise

Although I get around the same amount of sleep most nights, the quality varies. Sometimes I have trouble falling or staying asleep and other times I wake up in the morning unable to remember how the night went.


What I'm trying right now:

-switching computer to warm light in the evening with the software they recommend: https://justgetflux.com/
-getting out in the daylight earlier in the day (which is only possible before 3 or 4 pm)

Results so far: These sleep "hacks" are all pretty difficult when it is so dark outside! This week has been a tiny bit less overcast, so I feel better when I'm outside, and I don't feel so "confused" about the time of day even though I still feel sleepy.

When I first installed f.lux, I loved the effect as the screen was bathed in warm light. I felt like it was lulling me to sleep. Since then, however, I feel that I have "adapted" and once again learned to push through and have a second wind. I'm thinking about fiddling with the time zone so that it goes to warm light even earlier, in order to send me to bed!


Other steps I want to try:

-Using a "wakeup light" to mimic natural sunlight in the morning.
-Turning off wi-fi at night.
-Going to bed before the second wind kicks in.

And something I haven't figured out yet:

-Keeping the bedroom cool for sleeping. (forced hot air and the radiators don't seem to have any sort of knob for adjustment)



I recommend checking out the blog post! Have you ever tried to kind of reset your body clock?



7 comments:

  1. Just like with your computer, I've found an app that puts an amber-colored filter over my Kindle Fire screen to minimize the "blue light." It also helps it not be so glaringly bright even on the lowest setting. That's helped me be able to read some fiction books before bed to settle down my mind.

    I know what you mean about the sunshine (or lack thereof)! Our "days" here are from 8:30am to 4:30pm, and they are mostly overcast! When it's rainy I don't feel like leaving the house, but I did notice a difference in my ability to fall asleep when I was outside during the day.

    Oh, and the knob for adjusting the temperature in your apartment? That's the window handle. :)

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    1. I have a Kindle Paperwhite, so I can't do apps. But I'm glad you can do that on the Kindle Fire. Yes, the same thing with overcast here!!!! It is just gray outside all the time, though actually quite warm. Can't make myself go outside. :/

      The window works, but requires adjustment in the middle of the night.

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  2. You have a lovely blog. Merry Christmas! :)

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  3. I think that a cold room, and me under warm covers is the best sleep aid I've found. Although, honestly, I fall asleep when my head hits the pillow, even when I don't want to. But, when the room is cold I tend not to wake up once.

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    Replies
    1. I agree with Linda - I love your blog. And - what Christmas will you celebrate?

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    2. I suppose mostly Dec.25th (though it is a work day) and then New Year's, and then during the first week of January people generally visit all their friends and presents are exchanged.

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