Have you ever woken up feeling extremely tired and groggy? Does it feel like no matter how long you sleep, you never wake up well-rested? If so, it could be because you’re not getting the quality sleep you should.
Oftentimes, the reason people wake up exhausted is due to the lack of REM sleep, something your body needs to function. It’s so important that without it, not only do your energy levels get affected, but so do your emotions, memory, and other cognitive functions.
So, how can you get more REM sleep? To learn about the tips and techniques for a perfect nightly slumber, keep reading this blog.
What Is REM Sleep?
REM sleep, better known as rapid eye movement sleep, is an essential stage of sleep. It’s one of the four stages your body goes through every night, cycling from one phase to another. The purpose of REM sleep is to connect your body and brain, giving them the much-needed rest they need.
During this stage, your brain works on the memories collected during the day, slowly converting them. While you’re in the REM phase, you also experience dreams. Your eyes rapidly move while this happens — hence the name — all while your body is in lock mode so you don’t accidentally act out the dreams.
Without REM sleep, your brain might not function properly. Research shows it deeply affects your memory, and lack of it can lead to constant mood swings.
How To Get More REM Sleep
According to studies, it is vital for adults to spend up to 20 to 25% of their sleep in REM mode. Here are some effective tips that can help you accomplish that:
- Stick to a strict sleep schedule.
Rather than sleeping at random times, set a strict schedule. The reason you were so active as a child was because you had a bedtime. No matter how frustrating it may seem, bedtime can be extremely beneficial. - Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine at night.
It may be tempting to rely on alcohol for a little sleep boost, but that only makes things worse. Alcohol, along with coffee and tobacco, is one of the most harmful substances to have before bed, as it can deprive you of a good night’s rest. - Exercise regularly.
All it takes is 30 minutes of exercise a day to relieve the pressure off your body and trigger sleep. However, for that to work, you should exercise a few hours before bed. - Replace your pillows and mattress.
Your pillows and mattress are extremely important to your sleep health. If your pillow seems flat or the mattress too stiff, swap them out immediately. You’ll notice the difference in your sleep almost instantly. - Set up the perfect environment to sleep in.
From cold air to a relaxing humidifier, make sure your room and sleeping environment are cozy. Get as many or few blankets as you need, dim the lights, fluff your pillows, and off to dreamworld you go! - Try following a sleep routine.
Whether it’s listening to soothing ASMR audios or plugging in a white noise machine, a sleep routine can be really helpful. You can also turn it into a relaxing activity, such as reading a book or following a nighttime skincare routine. - Consult a professional sleep therapist.
When all else fails, a sleep therapist might be your only salvation. With proper treatments and methods, you can once again incorporate the REM phase into your sleep.
Final Thoughts
There are numerous ways to get more REM sleep, but the most important of all is setting a routine and staying persistent. Nevertheless, for more information or guidance, contact Nirvana Elite Sleep & Wellness at (832) 952-1199. You can also visit us at 17146 N Eldridge Pkwy Suite G, Tomball, TX 77377, United States.