First, establish a regular sleep schedule. This means going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up at the appropriate times.
Next, create a comfortable sleep environment. This includes having a comfortable mattress and pillows and making sure the room is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Darkening the room can be done by using blackout curtains or an eye mask, and using earplugs or a white noise machine can help block out any external sounds. Animals often seek out dark, quiet, and temperature-controlled environments to sleep in.
Avoid stimulating activities before bedtime. This means avoiding watching TV or using electronic devices for at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light emitted from screens can suppress melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Instead, try reading a book or listening to calming music to relax. Some animals, like cats and dogs, have a strong routine of grooming and cleaning themselves before they lay down to rest.