Can't sleep? These 20 hacks will have you catching zzz's in no time

Our bodies thrive when following a routine. You set an alarm to wake up, so set one to go to bed, too. It might be difficult to get into the routine, but once you’ve built the habit, you’ll notice a positive difference in your sleep. 

People have strong opinions on those who wear socks to bed, but wearing socks at night can actually help you sleep. A cold body isn’t always conducive for sleep, and wearing socks is an effective way to heat your body. 

You need a calming environment if you want a calm night of sleep. Surround yourself in your bedroom with colors that bring you peace. If possible, paint your room or put up wallpaper in a calming hue. If not, get some artwork, pillows, furniture, or blankets to do the trick. 

Trick your body into falling asleep by only using your bed as a place to sleep. If you don’t do anything else in your bed, your body will only know it as a place to shut down and sleep. Don’t let yourself fall asleep on other pieces of furniture, either. 

Lots of people love sleeping with their pets, but the truth is that it can disrupt your sleep. If you’ve tried seemingly everything else you can think of and are still struggling to sleep, try separating from your pet for a few nights and see how it goes. 

Napping during the day can be beneficial for you in a lot of ways, but if you nap too close to your bedtime or for too long, you can negatively impact your nighttime sleep. Try to keep your snoozes to a reasonable length. 

If you sleep in the same bed as someone, you might not be getting as good of sleep as you could be. One hack to try is using different blankets. It might seem insensitive, but if it gives you a better night of sleep, you’ll be glad you made the choice. 

Many of us have to let our minds race before we get to sleep. If you’re one of those people, set some time aside before you get into bed to let your mind race. Think of all the things you need to do tomorrow and make note of anything important before trying to go to sleep.

Taking a deep breath can do wonders for your body. If you’re worked up and can’t sleep, take some deep breaths and concentrate on your breathing. You’ll notice your body settling in and your mind drifting to sleep.

Aromatherapy can wake you up in the morning and put you to sleep at night. If you need a little extra help getting to sleep, sniff some lavender. It’s a calming scent that’s been known to promote better sleep. 

For some people, taking a bath is the answer to everything. And when it comes to sleeping poorly, those people might actually be right. Taking a hot bath or shower before going to bed at night can help you get to sleep.

Visualization is a powerful tool; it can help you as much at night as it can during the day. If you’re having trouble getting to sleep, envision yourself going to sleep. Or try visualizing something else that’ll calm your mind. Either one can help. 

If you have something on your mind - or a lot on your mind - keeping you from sleeping, grab a paper and pen and write down whatever it is. Writing your issues down helps you process your thoughts and clear your mind, leading to a better night of sleep.

If you really can’t fall asleep, get out of bed. Walk around. Have a cup of herbal tea. Read a book. Do something that’s calming that will still tire you out. Go back to bed once you’re sleepy. 

Every so often, it’s time to replace your pillow. Your quality of sleep often matches the quality of your pillow. If both need an upgrade, get a new pillow. Take the time to evaluate what kind of pillow suits you best. 

Bed sheets have more impact on our quality of sleep than we realize. Low quality sheets made of fabrics that aren’t good for sleeping can have a negative effect on your body. If you don’t feel rested after a night of sleep, consider getting new sheets. 

Even if your mind feels relaxed, your body might not be. Take a moment to scan your body and fully relax it. Start in your face and work until your entire physical self has released all tension. 

Turn on some white noise if it’s too quiet in your bedroom. It can be literally anything, just as long as it gets you to sleep. Classical music, a meditation podcast, or nature sounds are good options if you’re new to the white noise space. 

There are certain pressure points around your body that, when pressed right, can help you get to sleep. Learn about where these points are and how to properly utilize them to aid in better rest. 

This may seem obvious, but it’s not always. If you’re not sleepy, don’t try to go to sleep as it can have the opposite effect. Wait until you feel tired to go to sleep.