How to get a good night's sleep

With midterms coming to a close, you can finally start getting back to those good -- or at least better -- zzzs. Here are some tips to maximize your sleep life.

Books  blogs

As much as we know you love reading Spectrum (ahem, whatever, you can read other blogs as well if you want), try to avoid websites and any activity on your computer since the artificial light tends to wake your mind up. Try reading for 30 minutes in your bed prior to sleep.

Download flux

Okay, if you’re going to cheat (because Netflix is a must), at least help your eyes and brain out. Flux is a software that “makes the color of your computer's display adapt to the time of day, warm at night and like sunlight during the day,” which promotes a more sleep-inducing

Avoid sugar, caffeine, and alcohol

Yes, even alcohol. Even though it may seem like those Heights margaritas made you sleepy, alcohol actually really screws with a good night’s sleep. Ever wondered why you wake up around 5:00am every night you go out drinking? It’s not because you’re just becoming more like your mom -- the tequila made you do it. And sugar and caffeine are pretty explanatory -- those will keep you up. Enough said. (Although we don’t necessarily discourage a pilfered John Jay cookie before bed…)

Avoid drinking too many liquids at least an hour before going to bed

You will have to get out of your little bed cocoon right as you’re finally falling asleep because you will have to pee. This one especially applies to those living a great distance from the bathroom (John Jay, we’re looking at you.)

If you are going to drink anything, opt for tea.

Chamomile or lavender with a bit of honey will help relax you. Anything herbal, really; remember, caffeine will keep you up!

Be chill

It’s actually better to sleep in a room that’s slightly on the cooler side since being in a warmer room can make it harder to fall asleep. So open your window, or get that fan you used in September up and running.

Find some zen

Sometimes, it’s difficult to fall asleep because we simply have too much to think about. Lithum, first-ear English, whether or not we’re gonna make it to Ferris before the pasta line gets exhausting...In order to shut down the old noggin, try listening to meditation or calming music--whatever works for you. There are many free apps that offer 10 minute guided meditations, yoga music, or even particular sounds like pouring rain. Pro tip: avoid listening to your workout playlist at night. EDM does not equate calm. If you’re still really struggling to fall asleep, podcasts can be pretty soothing -- and you might learn something! The podcast app has a “sleep” feature that’ll turn the podcast off after the set amount of time. Think you’ll be asleep in 20 minutes? Set the sleep timer to 30 minutes and let Ira Glass’s soothing voice lull you to the shores of sleep.

 

Don’t eat a huge meal right before

Food babies -- much as we love them -- don’t make for comfy sleeping. Plus, lying down shortly after eating a large dinner can hinder digestion. If you’ve eaten a lot and are planning on hitting the hay soon at least try to take a short walk to give your body some time to digest.

Try sleeping with an eye mask

Much as we love it, New York City truly doesn’t sleep and that can get pretty annoying. Do they ever turn down the streetlights? What about all those neon signs outside your window? Not to mention the fact that your hallway light is also probably still on. Light finds a way to sneak into your room no matter how many towels you shove under the door. A sleep mask will plunge you into utter darkness for a heavy, light-less sleep.