Everyone all around the world has some trouble sleeping from time to time. This has led to a wide variety of strategies and sleep tips being used to get a good night’s rest.
If you’re not getting enough shut-eye, try some of these tips from around the globe to see if they might work for you.
Finnish Saunas
The cold, dark winters in Finland make spending time in a sauna a popular way to wash, warm, and soothe the body.
Using a sauna for the heat and humidity helps loosen up muscles and ease any aches and pains. This can be a great way to relax before bed and prepare for a good night’s sleep.
People who use the sauna 5-15 times a month tend to have comparatively better mental health and sleep quality. There may be cardiovascular benefits as well.
Make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid over-heating.
Chinese Foot Baths
Fill a basin or your bathtub with hot water and soak your feet for 20 minutes, an hour before your usual time of sleeping.
You can add Epsom salt, essential oils, fruit peels, or other herbs to the water for added aroma and pleasantness.
Like saunas, this method appears to have a beneficial effect on your core temperature, which can help you sleep better with less disturbance.
Japanese Forest Bathing
“Shinrin-yoku,” the Japanese practice of forest bathing, is a great way to reduce stress and improve your mood.
Forest bathing means spending time in the presence of trees and nature. This can be a great way to de-stress, relax, and prepare for sleep.
You might not be able to do this near bedtime. Still, suppose you can get out for a walk in the park or forest during the day. In that case, it may help you sleep better at night by significantly reducing your stress, anxiety, and depression and improving your overall mental health and quality of life.
Spanish Siesta
A mid-day nap is common in many places around the world.
Napping can be a great way to recharge and rejuvenate the body and mind. It’s a great way to break up the day and help you feel more alert and awake for the rest of the evening, especially if you had trouble sleeping the night before.
However, if it’s later in the evening and close to bedtime, a nap could interfere with your ability to fall asleep at the right time. It might be better to wind down for the night and sleep early.
Overall, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for better sleep. Try out different methods and see what works best for you. Look for ways to reduce your stress in healthy ways and create a routine that helps you relax and prepare for sleep.
And don’t forget the basics: stick to a regular sleep schedule, create a calm and comfortable environment in your bedroom, and avoid screens, caffeine, and alcohol before bed.
