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Prep for sleep
You've got the set up, but there are still ways you can sabotage a restful night. Sleep expert Isaac Eliaz, MD, says to avoid eating two hours before bed, "as the effort it takes to digest food during the night can detract from a restful sleep." Also, he suggests turning off your electronics (computer, cell phone, even the TV) at least an hour before bed so you can more easily relax.

If you're still keyed up, or just don't know what to do with an hour free from technology, Tara Zimliki, certified personal trainer and founder of Tara's Boot Camp, suggests a bath. "This should alleviate some of your aches and pains in the morning and help to give you more energy for the day."

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Your pre-bed routine
You've got your dream bedroom, you're steering clear of your iPhone, and hopping into a bath instead. An easy stretching routine can also really help you relax (physically and mentally) and minimize any aches and pains the next morning. Kristie DiScipio, fitness manager at Equinox Fitness, recommends doing each of these about 5 to 15 minutes before bed, then hopping right under the covers to relax.

First, Eliaz says if you only do one nighttime stretch, make it Downward Facing Dog. He says it's one of the most effective, "because it stretches the legs, arms, back, and neck, and allows for better circulatory flow throughout the body."

To try it, start on your hands and knees on the floor, with your knees directly below your hips and your hands slightly in front of your shoulders. Then exhale and lift your knees up and away from the floor. At first you can have your knees bent and your heels lifted. Hold that for a couple breaths, then exhale and push your knees straight and stretch your heels toward the floor. You're basically making an upside down "V" with your body.

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Happy Baby pose
Sure, it looks a little silly, but DiScipio recommends this pose since it "calms the nervous system and opens your hips."

To do it, lie on your back, exhale and bend your knees into your body. Then inhale and grab the outsides of your feet with your hands. Open your knees wide and bring them up toward your armpits. Flex your feet and push them up, parallel with your knees, and push down with your hands for resistance.

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Toe touches
In addition to Downward Facing Dog, Zimliki recommends toe touches before bed to stretch your hamstrings. It's as simple as it sounds, just stand up and reach down to touch your toes (or as close as you can get). Just make sure to keep your knees slightly bent, especially if you have lower back pain. Or if it's easier you can do one leg at a time.

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Cobra stretch
This stretch is great for your lower back, Zimliki says. "To perform this stretch, lie on your stomach and straighten out your arms, pushing your upper body towards the sky." He also suggests finishing with some shoulder rolls to loosen your upper body as well.

Wouldn't it be nice to jump out of bed full of energy, ready to tackle the day ache-free? If that's more dream world than reality for you, you're not alone. For a lot of us, waking up feeling amazing can seem out of reach, especially if we're hitting the gym hard during the day or dealing with chronic pain.

While we may never literally leap from under our duvet, there are steps we can take to feel less sore in the a.m. -- and even get a better night's sleep as well. Check out these tips from fitness and sleep experts and add them to your nightly routine now.
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