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Improve your sleep by following the rules of sleep hygiene. When following a habitual routine, you have a better chance of getting a good night’s rest.

  • Never use the bedroom for anything but sleep or sex. Read, watch TV, exercise, eat or argue somewhere else.
  • Lie down intending to go to sleep only when you are sleepy.
  • If you are unable to fall asleep within twenty-five minutes, get up and go to another room. Stay up until you feel sleepy then return to bed. If you still are unable to fall asleep get up again.
  • Set your alarm to get up at the same time each day regardless of how much sleep you got during the night.
  • Turn on the lights or walk outside in the sunlight when you wake up in the morning.
  • Do not nap during the day.
  • Exercising in the morning or late afternoon will help you sleep, but exercising in the late evening will stimulate your body and make sleeping more difficult.
  • Eat your evening meals at least two hours prior to going to bed. Large meals or hunger can inhibit sleep.
  • Avoid caffeine and refined sugars in the evening. Foods like chocolate, coffee, tea and soda will inhibit sleep. Tobacco and alcohol also disrupt sleep.
  • Avoid the use of over-the-counter sleep medicines.
  • Relax in the evening before going to bed. Try not to rehash the day’s problems.