If a good night’s sleep seems like an elusive goal, we have some very good news. There are plenty of natural ways to help your mind and body drift off to dreamland, so you don’t need to reach for a bottle of drugs for your beauty rest. Read on to find out how you can stop counting sheep and start snoozing comfortably throughout the night.

What’s the Big Deal About Counting Sheep?

Many people joke about sleep, passing it off as something they will do when they die or as an activity for lazy individuals. However, it’s important to understand that our minds and bodies require sleep to stay happy and healthy. Without it, your judgment, reaction time, and cognitive function can decline. You might feel moody and irritable, and over time, routinely running on too little sleep can lead to issues like weight gain and depression. For the best results, most adults appear to do best with seven to nine hours of sleep per night.

Get Comfortable

We like to think of our bedrooms as a haven for slumber, but you might be surprised to learn that the room might be counterproductive to catching enough sleep. It turns out your sleep environment should be more than just a room with a bed in it, and a little tweaking could go a long way toward helping you feel more rested.

One of the biggest contributors to sleep quality is your mattress. An old, sagging mattress that is 10 or more years old is likely no longer offering the support you need while you sleep. This may not sound like a big deal, but keep in mind that the quality of sleep you get is just as important as the quantity. Before you make any purchase choices, however, keep in mind that your body type and sleep position impact the best suited mattress for you. As one example, DreamCloud mattresses are ill-suited for petite side sleepers, but they will support a back, stomach, or combo sleeper well.

Similarly, the rest of your sleep environment should be focused on comfort. Even if you think it’s a comfy place to retire to at night, there may be negative elements you don’t notice. The space should be quiet and dark, so if light is peeping in through windows or you’re hearing sounds from outer rooms, make some adjustments. For example, blackout curtains and earplugs are options that help some sleepers reduce their distractions. You also should aim for a cool temperature, setting your thermostat at around 65 degrees for best results.

Do Some Unwinding

Settling down before you turn in can make a big difference in how well you sleep at night. As the American Heart Association explains, performing the same routine before bed each night, and doing so at the same time, can help your mind and body recognize sleep is coming. Making some preparations for the next day, such as setting out what you’ll wear and writing out a to-do list can help clear your mind. If you’re struggling with stress, add some relaxing music or do some meditation exercises to quiet your nerves.

Settle Down Stress

It’s important to note that ongoing tension can do more than rob you of a good night’s sleep. Stress can damage your health by raising your blood pressure, causing inflammation, reducing immune function, and contributing to depression and anxiety.

If you struggle with stress routinely, Psychology Today recommends checking into massage therapy, noting it’s a time-tested, widely used, and effective treatment. Deep-tissue massage and cupping are two especially effective options to consider.

Take the Right Kind of Pills

Getting enough sleep is an important aspect of a healthy life, and thankfully, you don’t need to reach for a prescription pill bottle to get rest. Ensure you’re comfortable and find positive ways to unwind. Soon, you’ll be able to forgo counting sheep thanks to a few little lifestyle adjustments. SLEEPSolve 24/7 is the all-natural way to ensure you get enough rest. It is made up of botanical extracts that work synergistically to help you sleep. By taking SLEEPSolve 24/7 every night, you can regain a sense of vigor and vitality through improved sleep and restfulness.