YOU DON’T HAVE TO COUNT SHEEP

Trying to get shut eye in NYC brings a whole new meaning to “The City That Never Sleeps”. From the sirens and traffic to upstairs neighbors, to the subway rumble and more, this can be a tough place to try to find peace and serenity after a long day. Apparently, it’s too much to ask for 7-8 hours of sleep when getting into your PJs in NYC. But it’s not just a problem here in the Big Apple, 60 million Americans have a chronic sleep disorder. That’s a club I no longer want to be part of. And you don’t have to, either!

SLEEP PREP
We all know to put our devices down a good few hours before bedtime, but we never do it. Instead, if you’re like me, you go down the internet rabbit hole of funny dog videos and next thing it’s 1:30am. People who know more about the science of phones being too close to your bedside when you sleep, and how that interrupts your true sleep patterns, would tell you to place your phone overnight in another room completely. They would also stress that you shouldn’t have the TV on when dialing down in bed. Limit food and beverages (especially coffee and alcohol) before sleep. Try reading a book, do some yoga stretches, dim the lights, play calming music, take a warm bath. And obviously, be sure your bed is super comfy. 

PITCH BLACK We don’t all have the luxury of black out curtains (best perk of hotel stays) but we can create that with the right eye mask. I use the Inactivator Eye Mask which changed my sleep landscape. I’m talking about 100% darkness, cool technology, customizable fit, roomy eye pockets (your eye lashes never touch the mask), self-adjusting strap, a one size fits all mask that I can’t go to sleep without. It’s comfy to sleep with, like a little cool pillow for your face. Perfect for travel, too. I’m headed off on some long haul 30-hour travel days soon, and this mask will be in my carry-on bag for sure. To learn more, please visit inactiveco.com 

PITCH BLACK
We don’t all have the luxury of black out curtains (best perk of hotel stays) but we can create that with the right eye mask. I use the Inactivator Eye Mask which changed my sleep landscape. I’m talking about 100% darkness, cool technology, customizable fit, roomy eye pockets (your eye lashes never touch the mask), self-adjusting strap, a one size fits all mask that I can’t go to sleep without. It’s comfy to sleep with, like a little cool pillow for your face. Perfect for travel, too.

I’m headed off on some long haul 30-hour travel days soon, and this mask will be in my carry-on bag for sure. To learn more, please visit inactiveco.com 

WHITE NOISE
Or pink, or brown, or whatever takes your fancy. I use the FREE app called “White Noise” where I can choose from 50 types of white noise from the various color levels, a cat purring, jet planes, frogs at night, a stream, rain fall, an air conditioner and so many more. Truth be told, I have TWO sounds playing all night. Alexa plays traditional white noise, while my phone (yes – it’s STILL by my bedside) plays the app waves crashing. What sound do you think could work for you? Try this out: tmsoft.com/white-noise

SUPPLEMENTS AND HEALTH
If you are not healthy, or your body in unbalanced, sleep won’t be easy no matter how many gadgets or things you implement. Check vitamin levels in your yearly blood work, especially Vitamin B12 and D. Include magnesium glycinate and magnesium L-threonate in your daily supplements to improve sleep quality. I’m also an advocate for Melatonin. It doesn’t give you a sleep hangover, and it can do the job

Literally at the end of the day, sleep is vital for health, repairing cellular damage, reducing inflammation, longevity, reducing disease risk, slowing the ageing process, recovery after the gym, cognitive function, mood regulation, and so much more. In this world we live in, it can be difficult to get that precious 8 hours. But with some support and planning, we can get there. Yawn, now I’m ready for some zzzzz. Good night!