Just like joining the gym, fixing your sleep often gets pushed to the back of the to-do list. But, a good night’s rest can transform you, arguably even more so than the gym – it really is one of the most fundamental steps to improving your overall well-being.
It’s the time of year when everyone sets goals and resolutions for the twelve months ahead. If you are resolved to get deeper sleep that’s better quality in 2025, read on for my ultimate sleep checklist.
Keeping resolutions can be tough, but studies show that those who make a resolution at the start of a new year are more likely to make the change
and achieve their goal.
10 tips to help you keep your sleep resolution
- Hold off the coffee! Avoid consuming caffeine after 2pm.
- Don’t eat too late. Avoid large meals before bedtime. If you feel hungry at night, eat a light, healthy snack.
- Alcohol never helps. Avoid consuming alcohol as much as possible, particularly before bed.
- Establish relaxing bedtime rituals that will help calm you.
- Set up for success. Make sure your bedroom is quiet and relaxing. Keep the room at a comfortable, cool temperature.
- Dim the lights. Limit exposure to light in the evenings, including screens and blue light.
- Set a bedtime. Make sure you’re able to get at least 7 hours of sleep.
- If you’re tired, go to bed! It might sound silly, but simply go to bed when you feel sleepy, even if it’s before your bedtime.
- There is a 20-minute limit. If you don’t fall asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed and do something calming, such as reading a book, until you feel sleepy again.
- Stay consistent. Get up at the same time every day, even at weekends if possible.
How to set your New Year’s Sleep Resolution
When setting a new goal, it’s important to make it more specific with smaller steps to ensure it is not only focused on the outcome. For example, instead of “I will sleep better” try “I will stop drinking caffeine after lunchtime because it can interfere with my sleep”
The first goal needed to be narrower and easier to measure effectively. Another option… instead of “I will stop waking up at night” is try “I will use earplugs and purchase black-out curtains to prevent noise and light from disturbing my sleep”
Change your habits, starting today!
If you want help improving your sleep in 2025, book a free consultation with me to see how I can help you. I help both adults and children get the sleep they need and deserve. Take a look at my adult sleep services here.
