"10 Nighttime Habits That Will Transform Your Tomorrows" Review
Introduction
Having trouble falling asleep? With the close of the year, there is plenty to stress about (and I’m sure it doesn’t help your sleep). I’ve dissected a recent article on Livestrong.com and picked out the best ways to redefine how you hit the pillow.
Unplug to Recharge
Even your beloved smartphones can’t keep going nonstop without recharging, and your mind is no different. At least 30 minutes before bed, turn off all your devices to give your mind time to relax and unwind. You may notice the inevitable side effect of feeling more present to enjoy the final moments of your day.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Unfortunately, computers and phones stimulate my neurons to caffeine-like levels (even if I am tired). Most often, I need to unhook 120 minutes before bedtime, otherwise I'll stare at the ceiling for an hour while trying to sleep. It took an excellent level of experimentation, and I know the boundary line varies from person to person. I have found that my personal training clients aren't much different, though.“Un-wined”
Put down that glass of vino! “Rose all day” on weekends if you want to, but if you're going to wake up alert, focused, and productive, avoid alcohol before bed. It can lead to frequent sleep interruptions in the latter half of the night as blood sugar levels spike. And those disruptions to your REM sleep can cause next-day drowsiness. Try some herbal tea to wind down instead!
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I seriously consider the effects of wine and food on my blood sugar levels….especially before bedtime. Typically, your blood sugar rises to its highest level around 2 hours after your last meal. A similar effect takes place with the consumption of alcohol too (although often sooner due to its simple carb ability to spike the bloodstream at a quicker speed). With all this said, the actual effects of this consumption may occur after you crash into the pillow, and your body will need to respond rather than recover.Prepare for Tomorrow
Take some time the night before to choose and lay out your wardrobe for the next day. Pack your bag or briefcase too, and don’t forget a healthy lunch! Being prepared the night before makes mornings less hectic and gives you time to ease into your day consciously.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: I’m a man of lists. If my next day isn’t organized, I play out every scenario in my mind like a movie. Of course, my sleep is compromised with this type of brain activation! My hard rule: I don’t let anything sit on my mind. I write it down and often organize those thoughts as fast as they appear.Have a Pajama Party
Put on those PJs! Experts say that a conscious transition into “bedtime” mode actually helps your body and mind begin to prepare for sleep. Choose something loose-fitting, calm, and comfy for optimal relaxation.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: You’re probably wondering, “I didn’t know Michael has pajama parties!!!” I don’t, but you shouldn’t judge me if I did! I have established a routine of changing into comfy pants and a t-shirt every night to cue my relaxation time. Many of my routines are pretty well consistent for a good reason. Not only do they eliminate decision fatigue, but they also cue a state of comfort (especially before bedtime).Stick to Your Bedtime
Set an earlier, non-negotiable bedtime for optimal sleep. Getting a whole night’s rest (seven to nine hours is the optimal range) gives your body time to replenish. It can help regulate your hormones, recharge your body at the cellular level, and refresh your mind. A good night’s sleep is one of the best and most scientifically proven ways to enhance our mood, energy, and productivity.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: The body is a creature of routine and depends on its circadian rhythm to reach its most optimal self (homeostasis). It wants to predict your eating and sleeping schedules to efficiently and effectively handle the influx of fuel or recovery time. While it’s important to sleep the most appropriate number of hours, the consistency of your bedtime schedule will also determine its effectiveness. So, literally sticking to my typical bedtime of 11 or 11:30 on most nights has been just as important to me as the length of my sleep.
Photo Credit:
videoblocks .com–What keeps you up at night?
About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant
Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.
Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.
If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!
