The Times Australia
The Times Lifestyle

.
The Times Real Estate

.

5 Hacks to Help You Tackle Lockdown Insomnia

  • Written by News Co


Among the many things that have changed in the challenging year of 2020 are our sleeping rituals. Lockdown and working from home have caused some major changes in our daily routine and we've all picked up some poor habits like eating at our desks, spending the entire day in front of our screens, sitting down, eating more, eating late, and last but not least, stressing out day in and day out about the development of the pandemic.

It shouldn't come as a surprise that most of us have trouble sleeping these days, as all the bad habits listed above contribute to it. We live sedentary lives, we spend most of our time indoors, we're stressed, so we stress eat, and we spend hours on end on Netflix. "Just one more episode, and then another, and maybe just one more, since I don't have to wake up early tomorrow." That must sound familiar.

Spending hours on end in front of the TV and going to sleep late at night make for low quality sleep that leaves you feeling tired the morning after. When this happens for an extended amount of time, it gets harder and harder to sleep. So, what can we do? How can we improve our sleeping patterns during the times of COVID-19? Here are 5 hacks that will make a difference:

Hack No.1 - Use a Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets will have you sleeping like a baby, literally. These blankets are specially made to evenly apply pressure to your body, which stimulates the natural production of serotonin, also known as the happiness hormone. This is called Deep Touch Pressure or DTP and it triggers your body's natural instincts to help you sleep. Using this type of blanket can actually help reduce anxiety and get you calm so you can go to sleep easily. Weighted blankets used to feel very hot, which did not make them very popular as central heating increased the normal temperature in our bedrooms. But rest assured that they have evolved over the past few years, and modern weighted blankets can apply the ideal amount of pressure without making you feel too warm under them.

Hack No. 2 - Ventilation

Yes, we spend our days inside, we work from home, we do pretty much anything inside these days. This means we're not getting enough fresh air. While this might sound like a cliché, the effects of poor oxygenation are serious enough to get your attention. Insomnia is actually deeply connected to this. Luckily, this is something you can correct, even during the times of COVID-19. You can wear your mask and take all the necessary precautions to take a walk outside every other day (at least). Even with your mask on, being outside is useful. Then, when you're back home, open the windows to let the fresh air in! Drink your coffee on the balcony or by the window. As a small incentive, you can even try some small gardening projects. Starting your own herb garden is an excellent reason to spend a bit of time on the balcony every single day.

Hack No. 3 - Schedule In Some Sleeping

Living with insomnia is anything but pleasant. Even mild insomnia can be very stressful, so it's time to prioritize your sleeping. Like any important event you have during the day, schedule your sleeping. Choose a comfortable time to go to sleep and put it in your calendar and try to stick to it. No matter how many temptations Netflix might have, make sleep your priority! Keeping a regular sleeping schedule helps tremendously because your body gets used to the moments when it has to release melatonin, the sleeping hormone.

Hack No. 4 - Your Bedroom Should Be for Sleeping

One of the most annoying things about working from home is that you get to associate home with work, which makes you even more stressed out. It's important to keep things as separate as possible. Delimit your workspace from your relaxation space, and, most importantly, from your sleeping space. As tempting as it might be to take your laptop in bed and work from under the cover, you have to resist to stay healthy. Your bedroom is the room where you go to sleep, that's it. Keep it as clear as possible, avoid clutter, and make it your relaxation space. This way, when you go there, you will instantly feel relaxed instead of being reminded of work.

Hack No. 5 - Tea and a Good Book Make for a Good Night's Rest

To end on a high note, this hack is actually a combo. Some herbal teas can improve your sleep, they can get you relaxed right before you go to bed, which is very important for a good night's rest. Reading is the best activity you can take up before you go to sleep because it helps your brain shut down gently. Instead of watching TV or your phone before bed, read a book because it doesn't expose your eyes to light ( light triggers your brain to be active, not to slowly shut down). When you do these two together, there is almost a synergic effect, which can do wonders for the quality of your sleep. So add tea and reading to your schedule and you'll be sleeping better in no time.

Start improving your sleep today with these 5 hacks. Overcome the effects of working from home and living at home full time by sleeping better. This way, you can pick up some good habits during lockdown instead! Sleep tight!

Times Lifestyle

Restorative massage: Technique and Contraindications

Any massage, including restorative massage, not only gives a person pleasure and enjoyment but also has a beneficial and therapeutic effect on the whole organism. To date, restorative massage is used in both folk and traditional medicine as one of...

Why Every School Needs These STEM Kits to Prepare Students for Tomorrow

As the world moves further into the 21st century, the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education has never been clearer. Schools across Australia are now tasked with preparing students for a future defined by t...

Getting the Best Value for Money on Your Next Luxury Car Hire in Sydney

Are you wondering why you need to hire a luxury car when you are in Sydney? Can it be worth the buck when compared with standard car rentals? If you want to know why a lot of people are hiring luxury vehicles for special occasions or business events...

5 Fun Ways to Use Light-Up Letters at Your Party

Planning a party or special event always involves deciding how to decorate the venue. Whether you're just decorating a small area or the entire space, ample thought is given to the look and atmosphere you want to achieve. If the goal is to create t...

Maximizing Your Outdoor Adventures with the Right Bike Rack

With cycling becoming an increasingly popular activity across Australia, having the right gear is crucial for a seamless experience. A reliable bike rack plays a vital role in ensuring your journeys are stress-free and enjoyable. This guide will he...

Wellness Tourism: Trends Shaping Travel in 2025 and Beyond

Wellness tourism, a rapidly expanding segment of the global travel industry, is redefining how individuals approach travel by focusing on self-care, personal enrichment, and transformative experiences. According to the Global Wellness Institute, ...

The Times Features

Restorative massage: Technique and Contraindications

Any massage, including restorative massage, not only gives a person pleasure and enjoyment but also has a beneficial and therapeutic effect on the whole organism. To date, resto...

Tips on Choosing the Right Tibetan Singing Bowl for You

The art of mindfulness can really do wonders for your life. In fact, it has been proven to help people thrive in the most difficult situations, including the pandemic, and being ...

Bali, A stunning island paradise that's truly a feast for the eyes!

As the holiday period approaches, many Australians are thinking of warm destinations, which for them means a chance to get away from the summer heat. Among the most spectacular I...

Discover the Key Habits to Lower Your Water Costs in Canberra

Water conservation has become a critical focus in Canberra due to its growing population and the increased necessity of preserving natural resources. Rising water costs are placi...

Why Every School Needs These STEM Kits to Prepare Students for Tomorrow

As the world moves further into the 21st century, the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education has never been clearer. Schools across Aust...

Positive signs in new home construction but still a long way to go

In the first three months of the National Housing Accord, Australia commenced construction on 43,247 new homes according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This is 4.6 per ...

Times Magazine

How BIM Software is Transforming Architecture and Engineering

Building Information Modeling (BIM) software has become a cornerstone of modern architecture and engineering practices, revolutionizing how professionals design, collaborate, and execute projects. By enabling more efficient workflows and fostering ...

How 32-Inch Computer Monitors Can Increase Your Workflow

With the near-constant usage of technology around the world today, ergonomics have become crucial in business. Moving to 32 inch computer monitors is perhaps one of the best and most valuable improvements you can possibly implement. This-sized moni...

Top Tips for Finding a Great Florist for Your Sydney Wedding

While the choice of wedding venue does much of the heavy lifting when it comes to wowing guests, decorations are certainly not far behind. They can add a bit of personality and flair to the traditional proceedings, as well as enhancing the venue’s ...

Avant Stone's 2025 Nature's Palette Collection

Avant Stone, a longstanding supplier of quality natural stone in Sydney, introduces the 2025 Nature’s Palette Collection. Curated for architects, designers, and homeowners with discerning tastes, this selection highlights classic and contemporary a...

Professional-Grade Tactical Gear: Why 5.11 Tactical Leads the Field

When you're out in the field, your gear has to perform at the same level as you. In the world of high-quality equipment, 5.11 Tactical has established itself as a standard for professionals who demand dependability. Regardless of whether you’re inv...

Lessons from the Past: Historical Maritime Disasters and Their Influence on Modern Safety Regulations

Maritime history is filled with tales of bravery, innovation, and, unfortunately, tragedy. These historical disasters serve as stark reminders of the challenges posed by the seas and have driven significant advancements in maritime safety regulat...

LayBy Shopping