If you've been waking up groggy, cranky, or convinced there’s a secret plot to keep you from getting enough sleep, it could actually be your habits. According to registered dietitian nutritionist Molly Knudsen, there are three common mistakes that are likely to ruin people’s sleep, and luckily, they come with simple fixes. From forgetting to power down before bed to trusting melatonin like it's a miracle cure, there's a lot we get wrong when it comes to catching quality Zzzs.
Here are Knudsen’s top sleep slip-ups:
- Skipping a wind-down routine: Jumping into bed right after staring at screens or finishing chores keeps your brain in go-mode. Try dimming lights, avoiding screens, and doing something calming at least 30–60 minutes before bed.
- Mismanaging caffeine and blood sugar: That 4 p.m. coffee might still be lurking in your bloodstream at midnight, and sugary late-night snacks can cause sleep-wrecking blood sugar crashes. Opt for early caffeine cutoffs and magnesium-rich, protein-forward snacks in the evening.
- Using melatonin every night: While it's helpful for jet lag, melatonin isn’t ideal as a nightly fix. A magnesium-based, nonhormonal supplement is often a better choice for consistent, quality sleep.
Good sleep doesn’t just happen, it’s something you’ve gotta prep for. So ditch the habits that might be sabotaging your sleepy-time and give yourself the wind-down routine you deserve.
Source: MindBodyGreen