If counting sheep just isn’t cutting it, there are other ways to make sure you get the sleep you need
By Katrina Caruso
Having a hard time falling asleep or sleeping through the night? The following tips can help. (If the quantity or quality of your sleep becomes a chronic issue, you should discuss it with your doctor.)
Re-evaluate Your Room
Your bedroom should be relatively cool and free from any noise, light, and disruptions. Turn your alarm clock around, so that you don’t start obsessing about the time and so the light doesn’t interfere with your sleep. And don’t use your bed as a place to do work or watch television.
Power Down
Ideally, you shouldn’t be looking at a screen or anything with a blue-toned light for at least an hour before bedtime.
Schedule Your Sleep
Get into a routine with your sleep. Try to go to bed at the same time every night and set your alarm for the same time each morning, even on the weekends, with limited discrepancies. This consistency will help your sleep cycle.
Cultivate Calm
It’s not a good idea to go to bed with a lot on your mind—you can end up tossing and turning. Resolve to write down a list of your stressors before bed, and perhaps some ideas for how to deal with them, as this will help to ease anxiety and stress.
Create Rituals
To relax before bed, start a nighttime relaxation ritual. That may be reading a book, putting on a face mask, journaling, yoga, or meditation—whatever you can do to slow down, refocus, and get ready for rest.
Photo: iStock/GlobalStock.
