Basic Tips for Better Sleep

Basic Tips for Better Sleep

Set the mood. Make sure your bedroom is dark, cool and uncluttered.

Sleep takes preparation. Don’t pay bills or work late at night. Instead, start slowing down and relaxing well before bedtime. Spend some quiet time together listening to music, reading or just talking.

No late night exercise. Daily exercise can help you sleep better, but if you work out too late in the evening, it can keep you keyed-up and make it harder to fall asleep.

The TV does not relax the mind.

Don’t watch TV in your bedroom late at night. It goes back to sleep preparation.

Stop looking at the clock. If you can’t sleep, knowing what time it is only makes it worse. So turn those red numbers away from you to help you relax.

Make it a habit. Establish a regular sleep schedule and don’t sleep in. instead, take power naps on weekends.

Bring in some white noise. If you live in an apartment or on a busy street, use a fan or a sound machine to drown out the neighbors and the traffic.

Try not to drink caffeinated beverages after 2 p.m. if you crave coffee late in the day, try decaf. On a related note, don’t eat anything heavy before bed. If you’re hungry, try fruit or cereal.