With their grueling schedules and often difficult living conditions, Armed Forces members need to take advantage of every minute of sleep available. If you’re struggling to catch enough Z’s, a few habits inspired by the military lifestyle may help you fall asleep faster and get more consistent rest.
From keeping your bedroom organized to staying physically active, these simple habits can help create better conditions for sleep.
Keep a Tidy Bed
While you might not be forced to do push-ups if you forget to make your bed, you may improve your sleep by getting into a well-made one.
A clean and comfortable bedroom can make it easier to relax at the end of the day. Make your bed, wash your sheets regularly, put away clutter, and keep your sleeping area comfortable.
For more ideas on creating a relaxing space for rest, check out these relaxing bedroom setup tips. Dropping down and giving me twenty is optional.
Exercise Regularly
Servicemen and women get their fill of physical exercise, which can be an important part of maintaining healthy sleep habits. Regular physical activity may help you feel more ready for rest when the day comes to an end.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle, and research has linked physical activity with improvements in sleep quality.
If you're looking for more ways to use physical activity to support your sleep, learn more about how exercise for better sleep can become part of your routine.
Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule
The military day requires a tightly disciplined schedule with regimented times for activities and rest. While most people don't need a military-style routine, maintaining consistent sleep and wake times can help regulate your internal body clock.
Going to bed and waking up at roughly the same time each day may make it easier for your body to recognize when it's time to wind down and when it's time to get up.
A consistent schedule is also one of the most useful bedtime sleep habits you can develop if you're trying to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Take Time Away From the Desk
The vast majority of Armed Services members have active workdays that keep them from spending too much time sitting behind a desk. While an office job can be quite sedentary, you can break up long periods of inactivity by taking frequent walks, stretching, using a standing desk, or simply getting up and moving throughout the day.
Every bit of physical activity helps you stay active and can support healthier sleep habits.
Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
Military life may require adapting to different sleeping conditions, but you can take advantage of your surroundings when you're at home.
Keep your bedroom clean, comfortable, and free from unnecessary distractions. Dim the lights as bedtime approaches, keep the room at a comfortable temperature, and make your bed a place that's associated with rest.
Your mattress can also play an important role in your overall comfort. If your current mattress is no longer providing the support or comfort you need, exploring different mattress options may help you create a more comfortable place to sleep.
Put These Habits Into Practice
You don't have to live like you're in the Armed Forces to benefit from some of the habits that support military members' demanding schedules.
Keep your bedroom tidy, stay active during the day, maintain a consistent sleep schedule, and give yourself time away from your desk. Together, these simple changes can help create a routine that prepares your body and mind for better rest.
The goal isn't to fall asleep instantly every night. Instead, focus on building consistent habits that make quality sleep easier to achieve.
