[Ed. note: Yes, this is a guest post, but A) no one’s paid me for it, and B) they’re not asking you to buy anything. I get a lot of requests to post irrelevant shit on my site just so they can scam my readers. This is honestly the first time someone outside the industry came to me with a good post you’d actually want to read.]
The entertainment business is grueling. it will ask everything you’ve got and then some more! The long working hours (12 hours minimum!) and the fact that you always have to be energetic and creative can get to you if you don’t rest properly. Whether you’re an actor or on the crew, you have to sacrifice a lot to reach the top, and sleep is one of these sacrifices.
The stress and the emotions involved don’t really allow you to sleep which is why it’s best to have a few tricks up your sleeve (like the ones I listed below).
#1: Darkness is your Best Friend
Whether you are at home in your comfy bed, at a hotel, or in an RV on the road, it’s important to make sure the room you sleep in is dark. Light is a powerful stimulus that is amazing first thing in the morning, but if you want to sleep, you must find a way to keep it out of the room. Use thick curtains, and disconnect any source of artificial light (including phones!)
#2: Turn Off your Devices
Yes, you “must” be in constant contact with your audience. But, if you like to scroll through your Instagram account until you fall asleep, you should stop it. The light from the screen and the things you read and see are stimulating your brain, which keeps the Sandman away.
#3: Choose Your Mattress Wisely
While it’s true you can’t choose the mattress in a hotel, when you’re at home, make sure you sleep in an amazing bed that accommodates all your needs. After all, you spend almost a third of your life in bed. For instance, I read on Try Mattress that it’s important to find a mattress that corresponds to your sleeping position. So, if you are a side sleeper, you’ll need a different bed than if you were a person who sleeps on their back.
#4: Make Your Bedroom Perfect for Sleep
The perfect environment for a good night sleep has three main features: darkness, low temperature (not freezing), and silence. If all these criteria are met, all you need is a comfy bed and a cozy blanket and you’ll fall asleep before you even know it.
#5: Be Smart About Your Diet
I know it’s difficult to keep on a healthy diet when you’re always on set, but you should avoid certain foods and drinks if you want to sleep well. For instance, caffeine and smoking are two powerful stimuli and will keep you up for hours after consumption.
Also, sugary foods and refined carbs can have a stimulant effect on your brain and body during the night, pulling you out of the restorative, deep stages of sleep. Finally, specialists recommend avoiding food for at least two hours before you go to bed. If you feel you absolutely cannot fall asleep until you munch on something, eat something light.
#6: No Alcohol
Alcohol is a social catalyst and you’ll be invited to various events where booze is served. Even though a nightcap may be relaxing, it will disturb your sleep cycle. It’s best to avoid drinking when you want to get the most out of your sleep.
#7: No Liquids after 11 pm
If you drink liquids after 11:00, you’ll most likely be forced to leave your bed during the night to reach the bathroom. This disturbs your sleep cycle and it’s difficult to re-enter a deep state once you left it.
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