How to Improve the Quality of Your Sleep
Do you struggle to get a good night’s sleep? If so, you’re not alone. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, about 50 to 70 million Americans have sleep disorders. Unfortunately, failing to get enough high-quality sleep on a regular basis can impact your mood, impair cognitive function, and increase your risk of developing health conditions like dementia, heart disease, obesity, and strokes.
So, what can you do to help ensure that you get a good night’s rest? Here are eight tips for how to improve the quality of your sleep:
Wake up close to the same time each morning and go to sleep close to the same time each night.
Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
Incorporate exercise into your daily routine (but be careful to not exercise too close to bedtime).
Avoid taking long naps, especially in the afternoon.
Stop drinking caffeinated beverages at least eight hours before bedtime
Don’t drink alcoholic beverages or consume large meals right before going to sleep.
Avoid watching TV, scrolling on your phone, and using other electronics at bedtime (instead, you might want to try reading a book).
Take steps to reduce stress (for example, meditating or attending therapy).
