The chaotic, hectic schedule you’re running on prior to the wedding day may mean your compromising on sleep, but you don’t have to let wedding stressors get you down. Many brides, grooms, and even members of the wedding party experience high stress levels and poor sleeping patterns for the weeks and days leading up to the wedding.
If you want to look and feel your best for your wedding day, you’ll need to make sure you’re getting plenty of quality shuteye. Here are some tips for getting enough sleep before the wedding:
1. Stick with a sleep schedule. Even when the wedding events demand more and more of you, make sure you’re getting at least eight hours of sleep each night, and stick with a schedule whenever possible. Sleeping and getting up at the same time will help keep your body clock in check and can make it easier for you to fall asleep naturally.
2. Squeeze in a workout. Working out regularly can help you snooze better. An added benefit of regular exercise is that you will be able to manage the day’s stress better. Try and work out for at least 30 to 45 minutes, up to three or four times per week in the midst of wedding events so that you can keep your body in good shape, and also encourage healthier sleep patterns.
3. Wind down the healthy way. Avoid ending the night with a few glasses of wine or other alcoholic beverages just so you can sleep. Alcohol will dehydrate the body and may make it difficult for you to get quality sleep night after night. Try a relaxing tea or try an herbal supplement that promotes sleep and relaxation so that you can lull yourself into dream land naturally.
4. Watch your diet. Too much caffeine, sugar and alcohol can take their toll on the quality of sleep you’re getting. During the weeks and days leading up to the wedding, make a conscious effort to eat unprocessed, healthy foods, and avoid eating heavy meals right before bed. Your best strategy is to eat larger meals earlier in the day so that your body can digest them completely before you hit the pillow. Stick with easily-digestible foods at night, and if hunger pangs kick in before bed, reach for a light snack.
5. Create the right sleep environment. If you’re traveling for the wedding, or will be staying in a friend or family member’s home for the events, you’ll need to be comfortable in your sleeping environment. Make sure you have enough pillows and bedding, and close all the curtains and blinds in the room. Create a sleep-friendly environment so that you aren’t compromising on the quality of your sleep, no matter where you are.
