It can be difficult to get good sleep in our fast-paced world. But following a healthy sleep pattern can improve your quality of life, the National Sleep Foundation says. Here are the foundation’s 10 tips for getting a good night’s sleep.
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day – even on weekends. This’ll help regulate your body’s internal clock.
- Try to relax before bedtime. Avoid activities that excite or stress you out.
- Know that napping during the day can affect your ability to sleep well at night.
- Exercise regularly.
- Keep your bedroom cool – ideally between 60° F and 67° F – and free from excessive noise and distracting light.
- If your mattress is more than eight years old, think about replacing it
- To help keep your body clock balanced, avoid bright lights in the evening and get plenty of sunlight in the morning.
- Don’t use alcohol, cigarettes and heavy meals before bed.
- Do something calming in the hour before bed, such as reading. Avoid using electronic devices – the bright light can stimulate your brain and keep you awake.
- Keep work materials, computers and TVs out of the bedroom.
