Can anyone really believe that 2024 is here already? Yes, these last couple of years have felt like one long blur, but it’s also wild to think about time ticking by so quickly.

So, best to make the most of it! And how better to do that than by setting some New Year’s Resolutions that will improve your sleep health and life in general.

So many new year’s resolutions fall apart after just a few weeks, and usually because they are unrealistic and unsustainable. It may seem like a good idea to promise going to the gym four days a week or cutting sugar out of your diet, but for long term success, it’s a good idea to take it slow and make small and manageable changes.

And when it comes to long lasting life improvements, one of the best places to start is with sleep health. Finding ways to fall asleep faster and to make gains on how to live better and longer, finding ways to sleep well is key.

So here are some ways to improve your sleep (which will improve your life) in 2024!

Resolution #1: Same Time Every Night

Do you find yourself wishing you went to bed earlier and that you could fall asleep faster? The first thing you could do to improve your sleep health is to go to bed at the same time every night, even on the weekends! And then from there, you can begin to adjust it. Baby steps! So, if you are someone who stays awake scrolling online until midnight or 2am, the first step is try to get to bed consistently each night.

Resolution #2: Less Screen Time

Do you get a weekly screen report and feel shocked at how much time you are spending staring at that little glowing box? Screen time can affect many parts of your life, including your quality of sleep. Perhaps 2024 is the year that you get less screen time and better sleep. 

Again, start slow – decrease your screen time a little bit more each week. Start to “wind down” by turning off all screens a half an hour before bed. Fill the time with something else, like taking extra time to wash your face and tidy up the house (for example). The following week, you can add an extra 10 minutes if you’d like.

Another good way to do it is by leaving your phone and screens outside of your room when you go to bed. If you use your phone as an alarm, you can replace it with a clock (remember those!). This might be a big adjustment, but once you get used to it, you might find that the quality of your sleep improves.

Resolution #3: 20 Extra Minutes

Now that your body knows that sleep is coming at the same time night after night (see Resolution #1), it’s time to start getting those extra zzz’s so that you get a full cycle of sleep and wake feeling rested. Sleep has an effect on mood, and the more you sleep, the better your mental and emotional state will be. More sleep is connected to better overall health, including your physical, mental, and emotional health. So, If you are getting less than seven hours of sleep each night, it’s time to increase the amount of sleep you are getting.

Using the same principle as above, try adding a bit more sleep to your schedule – an extra 10 minutes a night for a week, and then increase it by 10-15 minutes the following week. It’s easier to add more minutes at night then in the morning, when you have to get up and go. 

Resolution #4: Invest in Sleep Products

By this we mean it’s important to have comfortable, high quality, seasonal linens and the right mattress that will help you fall asleep faster, and stay asleep longer. Maybe this is the year that you get a new mattress, if it’s something you’ve been putting off. Many people realize that they’ve gotten used to sleeping on a mattress that is too small, stiff or soft for their comfort, and that their quality of sleep improves drastically with this one purchase.

If you are looking for a mattress in Surrey, we invite you to our store where we would love to help you achieve your New Year’s Sleep Resolutions!