10 Ways to Sleep Better: Improve Your Routine Tonight

1. Avoid Caffeine

First and foremost, it is a good idea to avoid stimulants like caffeine for at least a few hours before bedtime. Caffeine is in almost all coffees and teas, even the decaf varieties. You can also find it in most caramel-colored sodas and in chocolate, so be aware of what you eat and drink in the evenings. The Sleep Foundation recommends cutting off caffeine intake at least six hours before you plan to go to sleep.

2. Keep Arguments out of the Bedroom

Try to remember that your bedroom is for sleeping, not for fighting with your partner or for punishing your kids. Knitting and reading are fine, but arguing or having serious conversations in bed should be avoided. Your mind needs to associate the space with rest and relaxation.

3. Kick the Pets out

Your partner's tossing and turning may not be the only thing keeping you awake. If you have pets and they often sleep with you, they could be the culprits keeping you from a deep slumber. Kick them out of bed and see if your rest improves. I hate to say it, but this can also apply to co-sleeping children, especially those older than five. Establishing boundaries is key.

4. Cool down

Studies show that most of us sleep much deeper when our bedrooms are cooler. I am not necessarily advocating for blasting an air conditioner, but if your allergies allow it, simply open a window. However, the white noise of a fan or an air conditioner might also help mask disruptive sounds. If you have already addressed caffeine intake, the room temperature is often the next best variable to adjust.

5. Get the Right Bedding

While we are talking about temperatures and allergies, let me recommend making sure you are using the right bedding. A comforter and pillow that are hypoallergenic and regulate temperature will make a massive difference. Experiment and see what you find most comfortable. The same goes for the firmness of your mattress.

Quick Bedding Checklist:

6. Exercise, but Not Too Close to Bedtime

People who exercise regularly tend to sleep better overall. However, it is a bad idea to exercise too close to your planned bedtime. I recommend avoiding strenuous exercise at least four hours before bed. Instead, consider lighter activities like stretching or walking to help you wind down.

7. Address the Stress

If you lay in bed with your head full of worry, going over situations or plans, you need to find a better time and place to address your stress. Consider trying yoga, speaking with a counselor, or even keeping a notepad by your bed so you can write your thoughts down and move on. Learning how to manage anxiety throughout the day can significantly improve your nights. The American Psychological Association offers excellent resources on managing stress effectively.

8. Turn off the TV

I cannot count how many of my friends and family fall asleep with the TV on, often blaring. Studies confirm that it is significantly harder to fall into a deep sleep after watching television. Try to turn off the TV at least an hour before bedtime to let your brain transition into rest mode.

9. Establish a Routine

Most pediatricians recommend this for sleepless babies and toddlers, but it is also a fantastic idea for grown-ups who have problems falling asleep. If you want better rest, try establishing a routine for your late evenings. Run a bath, take care of your skin, read a book, pet your cat, meditate, or drink a chamomile infusion. Whatever you decide works best for you, make your routine and stick to it.

10. Is There a Medical Reason?

If none of these tips seem to help, there could indeed be a medical reason you are not sleeping well. Keep a list of all the things you have tried, plus any particular sleep-related symptoms you are experiencing, such as restless legs, heartburn, or difficulty breathing. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your findings and see if a deeper issue needs addressing.

These are the tips my doctor suggested to help me figure out why I was not sleeping. While I still cannot always pinpoint what causes my occasional sleeplessness, following these steps seems to help most of the time. How do you fall asleep and stay asleep? Do you have any other tips to share?