Sleep is one of the most important tools in your healthy you toolbox.

For years, I thought running on three or four hours of sleep was a badge of honor. “Look at me, conquering the world on minimal sleep!” Let me tell you, there’s nothing heroic about walking around like a zombie. It wasn’t until I got sick that I realized sleep isn’t something to skimp on—it’s essential for our health and well-being.

When I finally decided to prioritize sleep, I stumbled upon a discounted showroom model mattress—an iComfort with an adjustable base. It was like winning the sleep lottery! Suddenly, my acid reflux eased, and I was falling asleep in ten minutes flat—something I hadn’t experienced in my entire life. But let’s be real: prioritizing sleep isn’t always easy. It takes effort and commitment.

It is a shame that it took a big sale for me to buy a great bed. Think about this – how long do you spend in bed? A good portion of your 24 hours on this revolving planet is spent in that bed. I should have done it years earlier when my bed started to show signs of wear, and that was the cheapest one I could find at the time. Imagine buying a car with no doors. You wouldn’t. Save for the bed.

One major change was reducing screen time before bed. Yes, I know, parting with your phone at night can feel like losing a limb. Scrolling through TikTok or Facebook Reels is addicting—trust me, I’ve been there.

One thing to remember – that blue light is like a sneaky party crasher, tricking your brain into thinking it’s still daytime. It makes it way harder to fall asleep, and since I’ve stopped touching my phone at least an hour before bedtime I’ve been better for it. Not going to lie – IT WAS HARD. Try to remember, those Instagram posts will still be there in the morning, and maybe it’ll be a little easier!

Speaking of which, sticking to a consistent sleep schedule also helps regulate your body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally. It’s like training a puppy to sit—it takes time, but the results are worth it. Getting into a regular sleep schedule can really take a turn for the worst if you are on your phone. I can’t tell you how many times I went down a rabbit hole and was shocked to find it was midnight.

You can also watch what you eat and drink, especially avoiding heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime. Heavy meals (for me, anything with high fat content) can lead to unpleasant things like acid reflux, which if any of you know about that can ruin a good nights sleep for the rest of the night.

So what is something you can do that isn’t hard? Create a restful environment—a cool, dark, and quiet bedroom—can significantly enhance sleep quality. It’s like creating a zen oasis where your body can truly relax and recharge. And investing in a comfortable mattress and pillows? That’s like giving yourself a nightly hug.

So, if you’re like I was, thinking you can skimp on sleep—trust me, you deserve better. It might feel like work, but the benefits are worth it. Commit to quality sleep, and your body will thank you.