Planning a wedding is considered one of the most stressful tasks a person can experience. It makes sense that the frustration might start to impact your life in significant ways. For countless couples, getting proper sleep in the months leading to their big day becomes an impossible feat. Unfortunately, a lack of consistent sleep can be detrimental to your health and wellness. If you’re struggling to get rest, now is the time to adjust your habits and encourage better slumber. Use these tips to establish a personal strategy to encourage better sleep, and feel more refreshed before your marriage.

Be Mindful of Caffeine 

Some people can’t get their day started until they’ve had a morning cup of coffee. If you’re someone who relies on caffeine to find motivation, it could be a direct cause of your inability to fall or stay asleep. Experts state that caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea are a leading cause of disrupted slumber. This is especially the case when consumed later in the day. Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and can exacerbate feelings of stress. Try to limit yourself to a single cup of coffee in the morning. This way you’ll feel appropriately tired when bedtime arrives.  

Stop Taking Naps

According to a recent study, roughly 80% of adults in the United States claim to take naps on a daily basis. While this may offer a short-term sense of rejuvenation, research suggests it may also disrupt the natural sleep cycle of the body. Instead of hopping on the couch after work for a quick snooze, try to power through feelings of sleepiness by engaging with a simple household chore. By waiting until it is time for bed to get some rest, you’re more likely to sleep through the night and feel rested when you wake. 

Change Your Bedroom

The state of your bedroom can have an impact on how much rest you get each night. If your room is cluttered, for example, it may cause subconscious feelings of anxiety and force you to toss and turn for hours. Experts suggest creating a bedroom that encourages a sense of relaxation. Easy ways to achieve this include cleaning the space, using ambient lighting like candles, and covering your bed in fluffy or fuzzy blankets. These small adjustments can make you feel cozier and more prepared to slip into slumber when you’re tired. 

Prepare Your Body and Mind for Sleep

Having a pre-slumber ritual that relaxes your mind and body is another surefire way encourage better sleep. When you spend all day working, running errands, and planning your wedding, you may be carrying a lot of stress around with you that won’t just go away on its own. Some ways to unwind before bed can include meditation, deep stretches, taking a shower or bath, reading a book, and listening to soft music. Play around with different ideas to see which actions help you feel the most relaxed in the evening to encourage better sleep. 

Limit Your Liquids Before Bed

Finally, you might find yourself waking from restful slumber due to a strong urge to use the bathroom. Experts point out that this is one of the most common reasons for disrupted sleep, especially as a person grows older. To avoid this, limit your liquids before bed. Try to drink water no later than an hour before you plan on going to sleep. What’s more, you should use the bathroom right before you go to bed. This guarantees that you won’t be struck with the need to go in the middle of the night. 

Though disrupted sleep from stress might be normal when planning a wedding, there are plenty of ways to fight back. Find which actions work best for your routine, and start getting better slumber right away.