It doesn’t matter what time of year it is–it’s always a good time for families to save money. Pinching pennies and saving them for a rainy day can make all the difference in the world if an emergency comes up. Whether you have little ones keeping you up or health issues that result in sleep deprivation, without a solid eight hours every night, parents and children both can suffer from a slew of mental and physical health problems. Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank to get better sleep. Here are some helpful tips to get you on the right track.
The Routine Regulars
When you have a steady bedtime routine you do night after night,even on weekends, your body trains itself to wind down and feel drowsy on its own. Getting the whole family on a regular sleep routine isn’t easy, but it has long-term benefits for everyone’s health and happiness. Kids with regular sleep routines have fewer cognitive confusion moments, mood swings, and memory issues than their sleep-deprived peers. Furthermore, parents who catch enough sleep are less likely to develop serious illnesses, including heart disease and preventable diabetes.
Your family’s bedtime routine depends on each member’s preferences, but many people like to incorporate sleep-inducing practices, such as taking a hot mineral bath or sipping on herbal tea. Whatever the ritual, you can stock up on supplies and save money when you stay on top of daily savings and get cash back from retailers such as Amazon.
A Better Bedtime
You spend a third of each day in bed, so why wouldn’t you invest in the most comfortable options to outfit it? If your mattress is over 10 years old, it is time to replace it. Over time, we shed skin, dirt, and dust all the while sweating into our mattresses. While regular cleaning can extend the life of your crash pad, if you don’t change it when needed, it can exacerbate allergies and asthma while making it more difficult to sleep. When making a big purchase like a mattress, it’s smart to search for discounts and savings through stores like Walmart to keep costs low.
The Right Light
The sun is the ultimate source of power in our solar system. The energy its rays bring to the earth warm our atmosphere, grow our food, and affect how our bodies work. When the sun comes up in the morning, it signals to the body that it is time to shake off the sleep and get going for the day. Likewise, at night when the sun goes down, your brain and body start to wind down and prepare for the rehabilitative effects of rest. However, with the prevalence of artificial light in modern societies, many people find that their bodies don’t adhere to that circadian rhythm anymore. Once that rhythm is broken, it can be difficult for a person to get back into the swing of their sleep routine, leaving them vulnerable to the symptoms of sleep deprivation.
To make sure the light is right before bed, turn off blue light-emitting electronics at least an hour before it’s time to sleep. Keep light pollution outside with blackout curtains that are solid on the outside but cool-looking on the inside so you don’t sacrifice style for functionality. Finally, sunrise/sundown alarm clocks work with the body’s natural reactions to light in order to facilitate better sleep. And when you’re operating on a budget, don’t forget to take advantage of weekly specials and promo codes for retailers like Target to help you save money.
You may find that sleep aids such as melatonin can be useful as long as you don’t become dependent on them. Also, consider buying a sound machine or using a white noise app to help you fall and stay asleep. You should also think about investing in a good pair of comfortable wireless earbuds so you can use helpful apps without disturbing your partner. Obviously, the goal is for you both to get a good night’s sleep, so look for solutions that will make sense for everyone.
Good sleep is priceless, but you don’t have to go broke buying things that facilitate it. Shop online before purchasing things like tea and bath salts to make sure you’re getting the best price. Buy big items like mattresses from stores that offer cash back incentives and basically get paid to shop. Whatever you invest in, make sure your home is a sleep sanctuary by establishing a routine, investing in quality bedding, and using the right lighting.
