Tips for Better Sleep

Personal lifestyle habits, medical illnesses, stress, environmental factors, work schedules, psychiatric disorders and medical conditions can all affect sleep. Good sleep hygiene is a key component to a good night’s rest.

Some tips for good sleep hygiene include:

• Maintain a routine sleep schedule even on the weekends.
• Only use the bedroom for sleep, sickness and sex.
• Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages within four to six hours of bedtime.
• Find a relaxing activity before bedtime to relieve stress and encourage sleep.
• Avoid napping during the day or later than 3:00 pm.
• Create a comfortable environment for sleep. Minimize light, noise and extreme temperatures.
• Avoid nicotine.
• Eat a light snack before bed and avoid filling up on large meals close to bedtime.
• Avoid strenuous exercise within four to six hours of bedtime.