Sleep is essential. According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (OASH), getting enough sleep can help us get sick less often, stay at a healthy weight, reduce stress, improve mood, and lower our risk for serious health problems. It’s not uncommon to struggle with getting good sleep, though. Luckily, Mayo Clinic has some habits we can adopt to encourage better sleep:
Stick to a sleep schedule. Consistency is key!
Pay attention to what you eat and drink. (Don’t go to bed hungry or stuffed, and note that nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol can interfere with sleep.)
Create a restful sleep environment.
Limit daytime naps.
Include physical activity in your daily routine.
Manage worries.
Know when to contact your health care provider. Nearly everyone has an occasional restless night, but if this is a common occurrence, contact your health care provider to identify any underlying causes.