40 Evening Habits that are Definitely Bad for Night’s Sleep

Not getting enough sunlight in the morning can impact your sleep quality.

Exposure to sunlight in the morning helps your brain to stop making melatonin so that you can wake up. That helps to improve your circadian rhythm so that you can feel more alert when you need to. It can be difficult if you have blackout curtains on your bedroom windows. Set your alarm, and as soon as it goes off, open all of your curtains. It can feel like a shock to your system, but it will get your body moving in the right direction. Alternatively, get some time outside before you head to work. Depending on where you live, it may require more effort in the winter months when it gets brighter later in the morning and earlier in the evening. You may need to shift your sleep patterns slightly to ensure you can get the sufficient sunlight required. 

Checking the time in the middle of the night can slow down your ability to fall back asleep.

When people wake up in the middle of the night, their first instinct is to look at the clock to see how many hours they have left before they need to get up. That is a terrible habit to break, as you feel like you are preparing yourself. However, you’re making it harder to fall asleep. Doing the math on the number of hours you have left jump-starts the logic of your brain, which can be hard to turn off. Just don’t look at the clock if you find yourself awake in the middle of the night, and you’ll find it much easier to fall back asleep. It may be beneficial to reduce the number of clocks in your bedroom to limit the temptation. Also, be sure to move your phone away from your bed to resist checking the time. 

Having vitamin D deficiency impacts your sleep. 

Going from home to work and back again, you miss getting much sunshine in your day. That can lead to a vitamin D deficiency that throws your body for a loop. For one thing, vitamin D is linked to improved sleep quality. It’s recommended that you get at least 30 to 45 minutes of sunlight exposure outside to improve your sleep quality. You can go for a walk or sit on your deck, reading the paper. No matter how you do it, getting some is better than getting none.

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Spending too much time alone can affect your ability to get sound sleep at night. 

Studies have shown that depression, anxiety, and spending too much time alone can affect your sleep quality. It can be challenging to get out there when you’re feeling down, but maintaining your connections with others can help you get better sleep. Even if you can’t make a date to spend time with friends and take a trip to a place where there are lots of people, like a mall or a restaurant, it can be enough. However, if you do feel that your depression makes it difficult for you to leave your home, then it would be best to talk to your doctor.

Skipping your annual physical can result in worse rest. 

Many of the bad habits mentioned above may be a struggle to deal with, but a more significant problem could cause your lack of sleep. By going to your physical every year, your doctor may be able to help you find the source of your sleep problems. It could be a thyroid issue, for example, or anxiety. It could also be the result of medications that you’ve been prescribed, so raising these concerns during your physical will make it easier for the problem to be diagnosed instead of struggling with it all by yourself.

Staying up too late can be a harmful evening habit. 

Consistently staying up too late working or watching your favorite series can have adverse effects on your health. Doing so disturbs your sleep-wake cycle, and the continuation of this habit can lead you to develop insomnia. Once you do not sleep during the night, you might feel a stronger urge to nap during the day. Additionally, staying up late at night decreases your productivity. You may be able to accomplish much work done during the night, but you may feel equally tired and unproductive the next day. Rather than staying up late, you must maintain a proper work-life balance by working in the day and getting a minimum of eight hours of sleep during the night. 

Drinking — or eating — caffeine whatsoever is a definite no. 

Although commonly drunk throughout the day for energy, caffeine should be avoided at all costs in the evening. Caffeine is a natural stimulant that is found in tea and coffee. It can significantly interfere with your sleep. When consumed, it quickly gets absorbed into your bloodstream, when then works to keep your mind and body active. If you feel the need to quench your thirst, try reaching for some water instead. Adding caffeine to your body will signal that you are trying to stay awake, so it is vital to be aware of just how much caffeine is being added to your body and at what time. 

Watching TV before bed isn’t the best practice. 

Most of us enjoy a little channel surfing before bed. It is one of the top late-night activities, with many individuals having televisions in their bedrooms to lay in bed while doing so. The issue is that staring at a TV can result in chronic sleep debt. Not only does the screen light impact your body’s ability to wind down, but watching shows keeps your mind active. The choice to stay up late to watch one more episode on Netflix can contribute to your irregular sleep patterns. Try setting a limit for yourself on the number of episodes you will observe, or perhaps try recording your favorite shows or movies to watch at a better time. 

Talking on the phone in the evening can hinder adequate sleep. 

Our smartphones are an extension of our bodies at this point. While there are many ways in which smartphones are used to increase productivity, there is no denying the unknown and emerging ways they are also hurting our health. Not only can the small amounts of radiation coming out of our cell phones seriously throw off our sleep, but they can also cause headaches. Those who use their cell phones right before bed have more difficulty falling asleep and take a longer time to reach deep, quality sleep. While keeping in touch with business clients or loved ones is extremely important, it is also critical to know when to turn the phone off to ensure you are getting the quality sleep your body needs. 

Being too hot or too cold will interrupt your rest. 

Many people believe that the bedroom environment and its setup are critical factors in getting a good night’s sleep. One of those vital factors involves the temperature in your bedroom. Before winding down for the night and beginning your bedtime routine, be sure to check the temperature of your bedroom. The climate in your bedroom should be on the cool side before you close your eyes at night. Doing so will increase your chances of getting a healthy and uninterrupted amount of sleep every night. Ideally, your room should be between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit for quality sleep. If your room is warmer than this and you are experiencing disrupted sleep, try adding this to your evening routine and see if your sleep improves. 

Having a lousy bed quality is a red flag for restless nights.

Some people wonder why they always sleep better when they are staying in a hotel. Apart from ensuring a relaxing environment, your bed’s quality can play a massive role in getting sufficient sleep. Ensuring you have a quality mattress can allow your body, muscles, and even mind to wind down and relax at night. It can also limit the number of times you toss and turn that disturb your sleep cycle. You may also wake up feeling more refreshed and without back pain or stiffness. Besides, your bedding can enhance your quality of sleep. Your bed, mattress, and pillow can significantly affect sleep quality and joint or back pain. Try to invest in high-quality bedding and mattress every five to eight years. Doing so can drastically improve not only your sleep but your overall health as you will wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. 

Overthinking in the evening can linger into sleep quality. 

One of the most critical components of quality sleep is getting your mind to relax and wind down. Stimulants such as caffeine can signal to your brain to stay active. Likewise, partaking in too much critical thinking, can have the same impacts. Whether you are working through a challenging business-related issue or talking through a tough life decision with your partner, your mind is required to think critically. Signaling the need to think critically hinders its ability to wind down and relax. That can mean that you might find yourself staying up later as you toss and turn in bed, and will leave you feeling exhausted in the mornings. 

Not having a consistent alarm for the morning and night will cause for improper sleep.  

A good night’s sleep is just as critical as regular exercise and a healthy diet. Poor sleep has immediate adverse effects on your hormones, exercise performance, and brain function. Quality sleep can contribute to your overall health. At some point, we have all experienced days that last longer than others and throw off any hopeful routine you may have. Your body’s circadian rhythm functions on a set loop, aligning itself with sunrise and sunset. Being consistent with your sleep and bedtimes can aid in long-term sleep quality. Even on the weekends or vacations, you should attempt to go to bed at similar times. Doing so helps your body recognize that it is time to go to sleep and help you wind down quicker.