The amount of quality sleep can make a big difference on almost every aspect of our lives. Not getting enough rest can easily take a toll, not only making you feel tired, but also compromising your body’s natural ability to heal and process thoughts, feelings, and memories in a healthy way. And studies show that up to 60% of all college students suffer from poor sleep quality. Luckily, there’s plenty you can do to improve your sleep while living in UT student apartments! These four tips can get you on the right track.
So without further ado, let’s talk about how you can get better sleep! If you think we’re onto something with these tips, please feel encouraged to share this post with your friends and neighbors living in apartments near UT Austin!
Build Sustainable Routines
We bet you’ve heard this one before, but it’s super important. Even during ordinary school years, it can feel challenging to have a consistent schedule. That challenge is only exacerbated by the pressures of life during a pandemic. But being as consistent as possible about when you sleep, wake, and wind down for the night can make all the difference.
Your body works best when it has a consistent routine, so waking up at a consistent time and setting a typical bedtime (one that allows you at least 8 hours of sleep) is the single best way to ensure that you sleep well and feel rested when you wake. This, of course, requires good time management as well to make sure you aren’t in a position where you have to stay up late to finish a project or socialize with friends (stay tuned for our blog on time management coming out later this month!).
Take Time to Wind Down
Similarly, having a wind-down routine can be a great way to signal to your body that it’s bedtime and help you get to sleep faster. Give yourself 30 minutes or more to do something relaxing before bed, whether that’s drinking herbal tea, journaling to clear your mind, or listening to a fun podcast. And of course brush your teeth, wash your face, take out your contacts, and all that good stuff. Your body will thank you.
Curate Your Environment
Although there are those who can easily fall asleep anywhere (and we’re jealous of them!), for most of us, having a peaceful space to rest is a must! Luckily our UT student apartments are cozy, comfy, and climate-controlled. Give yourself the gift of a good place to sleep by keeping your bedroom clean and comfy. Fluff your pillows, make your bed, maybe get an essential oil diffuser going, if that’s your thing! If noisy distractions sometimes keep you from sleeping, invest in a white noise machine (they’re inexpensive and easy to find online). Take control of your environment and make your Austin student apartments the comfiest they can be.
Beyond that, did you know temperature can make a big difference to your sleep? The human body sleeps most comfortably at between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit, so try turning the temperature down a bit at night, especially when the weather is hot! A cold room and cozy blanket can be the perfect combo for better sleep.
Have Healthy Eating & Drinking Habits
You might be surprised by how much food and drink can influence your sleep cycle. The human body isn’t great at getting to sleep when it’s hungry or when it’s very full—besides feeling uncomfortable, it also affects the chemicals your body produces and those chemicals can interfere with your Circadian rhythm. In general, avoid eating right before bed, and avoid large meals within about 3 hours of bedtime.
If you drink, it’s important to be aware that alcohol can also be a culprit of poor sleep. Even though alcohol is a depressant and can make you feel sleepy, sleeping after drinking alcohol can result in poor sleep quality and irregular sleep patterns. It’s best to avoid excess drinking, especially right before bed, if you’re hoping to get a restful night’s sleep.
That’s it for our tips for better sleep! If you appreciated this post and would like to see more of our tips, recommendations, and features, be sure to bookmark our blog page for easy access to future posts! And make sure you’re following us on Instagram so you stay in the know about special offers and community updates for future residents of our new student apartments in Austin.