1. Drink Coffee After Supper
The caffeine. It was perfect with that peach pie. But at 4 a.m. when you’re still awake? Not so much. Caffeine is in lots of places like tea, chocolate, soda, and energy drinks.
2. Surf the Web To Much
Artificial light at night can be bad for sleep. But the “blue light” on smartphones and computers is particularly Not Good — televisions, too. Shut down bright screens 3 to 4 hours before bedtime to get your body ready for snoozing.
3. Take a Nap
It’s a great way to catch up on a little sleep. But if you take one after 4 p.m., it might affect you later on. So, no naps and no coffee. A splash of cold water on your face or a brisk walk can get you moving again.
4. Turn Up the Heat
You’ve probably noticed it’s harder to fall asleep when it’s hot. But did you know it can hurt your sleep quality, too? High humidity can make it even worse. Like so many other good things in life, if you want to get good rest, you must stay cool.
5. Eat Close to Bedtime
A small amount is probably fine. But a big meal or snack can increase your metabolism and speed up your brain, which could lead to indigestion and even nightmares. But it doesn’t affect everyone the same way. If you’re a midnight eater, keep a diary of what happens when you eat late to see if it bothers you.
We all know a good night’s sleep can will make a world of difference, but you may not realize just how integral sleep is to your overall health. There is a whole field of medicine devoted to the subject.
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