Sleep Hygiene--How to Do It

by: SusanHarris
Total views: 28 | Word Count: 271

Do you lie awake many nights waiting for sleep? Maybe you need to look at your sleep hygiene.

Perhaps all you need to change is some habits you may have picked up. Changing habits for good sleep is called sleep hygiene these days. Here are some habits to look at:

*Eliminating caffeine or chocolate. Try this for a few days. The effect of these two on your body can change over time. Taking caffeine or chocolate even in the morning may be able to affect your night-time sleep.

*Exercise. Are you getting your needed 30 minutes a day of exercise close to bedtime? This can get your resting heart rate up, even an hour or two later, and prevent your falling asleep. So try exercising earlier in the day.

*Sweets. Sugary items eaten close to bedtime may stimulate your system, and make it hard to fall asleep. Natural sugar such as what is in orange juice is no exception.

*Arguments. Instead of getting into arguments in the evening, make an appointment to argue the next day, preferrably not at bedtime!

*Creative thinking. Projects worked on in the evening can get your mind going... and going... and going.

So much for what to avoid. So, what can you DO to improve your sleep hygiene?

*In the evening, keep your activities dull and quiet. Do them calmly.

*If you read near bedtime, read news magazines or other items that have no exciting story line.

*If you watch TV or a video, watch documentaries rather than thrillers near bedtime.

These tips will let you improve your sleep hygiene. Try them and see whether they might be just what you need.

About the Author

If you want some suggestions for an insomnia cure, you can try adjusting your habits in favor of good sleep hygiene. You are seeking an insomnia remedy, but a habits change may cost you less than other possibilities!  

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