6 Tricks to Help You Sleep Better Tonight

By Debbie Strong April 4, 2019

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A good night’s sleep is often hard to come by. Between the daily stresses of our lives leading to mental unrest and the discomfort in our bodies leading to physical unrest, we might not be getting the proper amount of sleep necessary for a health body or mind. Luckily for us, however, sleep researchers have pinpointed a few easy new techniques that can set you up for the long, deep sleep you crave — starting tonight! We guarantee that you haven’t heard of these tips before. And while some of them are seemingly a little strange, your level of comfort and relaxation will soar if you implement any one of these practices into your nightly routine. So fluff your pillows and get ready for the best sleep of your life by scrolling through the gallery below!

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1. Banish sleep-robbing pain.

Are aches from arthritis or overworked muscles stopping you from falling asleep? Try applying gentle pressure with your thumb to specific points on your hand, a technique called "self-shiatsu." Canadian scientists say it's so effective at soothing pain and making you drowsy that some study volunteers actually fell asleep while doing it!
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2. Stop sudden wake-ups with faster walks.

If you're a light sleeper who wakes up at the slightest snore or car honk, walk faster during the day. Fitting in 60 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise daily (done in as little as five minutes at a time) cuts nighttime awakenings by 21 percent, reports the Journal of Sport and Health Science.
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3. Wake up more refreshed with puzzles.

You know doing crosswords, learning a language, or stimulating your brain in other ways sharpens memory and concentration. Now there's another reason to do them: They boost the quality of your sleep, so you sleep more deeply and wake up more refreshed, reports the journal Sleep Medicine.
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4. Fall asleep faster by warming your pajamas.

Toss your PJs in the dryer on low for 10 minutes before turning in, and you'll fall asleep about seven minutes faster and enjoy deeper, more restorative sleep, reports the journal Sleep Medicine.
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5. Warm your socks, too!

Wearing warm socks to bed helps you fall asleep far faster. As Dutch researchers explain, the extra warmth on your feet draws heat away from your body's core faster, setting off your body clock's "go-to-sleep" signal.
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6. Unwind easily with a hardcover book.

Reading before bed helps you unwind, ushering in deeper sleep, but the effect is negated if you use a light-emitting e-reader, such as an iPad or Kindle! If you can't give up your e-reader, try wearing reading glasses with with blue-light-blocking lenses, which help stop melatonin from dipping.