2022 Sleep Resolutions

Every January we're all guilty of making the same statement: “This is going to be my year.” Whether or not this ends up being true depends on the person, but most would agree that a great place to start is improving your quality of sleep. If you've resolved to eat healthier, travel more, or better any other aspect of your life, we all share the common goal of wanting to feel good. We packed this blog with plenty of ways to improve sleep habits so you can make 2022 the year of your dreams.

Fix That Sleep Schedule

We get it. One of the best parts about being an adult is not having a bedtime anymore. Scrolling on your phone until 1 am and waking up midday can be fun, especially on weekends, but, there is a scientific reason for going to bed earlier. Research shows that going to bed between 10 and 11 pm can improve heart health. It is the optimal time for your body's circadian rhythm, helping you sleep better. Consistency with your bedtime every day (yes, even on weekends) is essential for improved rest. Setting an alarm on the weekends is not ideal, but by staying on a bedtime routine will help your body naturally find its perfect schedule.

Reduce Back Pain

If you’ve been living with back or neck pain for too long, your sleeping setup could be to blame. Let’s agree to make 2022 the year to up your bedroom game and get rid of that back pain once and for all. Mattresses aren't a one-size-fits-all product. Whether you’re a side-sleeper, stomach-sleeper, or back-sleeper, the right kind of mattress could make all the difference in the quality of your sleep and how you feel the next day. Take our sleep quiz to find out what kind of mattress is right for you!

Stop The Naps

Sometimes it’s hard to resist a nice nap after a long day of work. We know you want nothing more than to climb back under your OkiOki Weighted Blanket and fall asleep for an hour or two. But, as comforting as that sounds, it might be hurting your nightly resting time. Waiting until bedtime is the best option if you want to optimize your sleep and fall asleep quickly. Even though sometimes it seems like a lifetime away, your weighted blanket will still be waiting for you at 10 pm. ;)

Exercise!

The most common New Year's resolution for 2022 is to lose weight. Whether you knew it or not, this might be aiding your sleep as well! Researchers don’t understand exactly why exercise makes you fall asleep quicker, but studies have shown regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and increase the amount of deep sleep you get. But, be careful what time you choose to exercise, as working out less than an hour or two before bed can actually keep you up for longer.

Fix Your Diet

Another way you can kill two birds with one stone is by fixing your diet. Most people change their diet to help them lose weight, but did you know certain foods can have a huge impact on your sleep? Foods like walnuts, tuna, and chickpeas can help produce melatonin, which is an important hormone that helps your body fall asleep at night. To check out a full list of 25 foods that can help you sleep better at night, check out our previous blog here!

Stop The Nightly Scroll

We’ve mentioned it in previous bedtime stories, but we’ll say it again. It’s time to ditch the phone before bed. We’ll keep the science lesson brief, but the blue light from your phone is known to suppress melatonin in your body, making it harder for you to fall asleep. Besides that, spending time on social media can increase engaged thoughts and anxiety that will stop you from achieving the maximum relaxation you desire. So, put the phone away, rest your head against your fluffy OkiPillow, and let your mind drift away for the next 8 hours as you embark on your journey to making 2022 the best, most well-rested year of your life.