1. Go to Bed Early

One of the most sensible ways to sneak more sleep in is to go to bed early. I did not say it was an easy way. I am well aware how difficult it is to turn off all the electronics and get to bed at a decent hour. I also fight temptation to do just one more load of laundry or read one more chapter of a good book. But I will share a secret with you. I have started going to bed earlier and I have discovered I really enjoy that time to unwind and get a bit more sleep.

2. Catch a 20 Minute Snooze

Sometimes, you just can’t get to bed early and you can’t get out of bed any later. I get that totally, because I have been there. When this happens, see if you can catch a 20 minute snooze. It does not sound like a lot but it can really be helpful in assisting you through the rest of the day. However, it is best that you catch this mini-nap before three or four pm so it does not interfere with that night’s sleep.

3. Start a Sunday Nap Ritual

Sunday naps are my guilty pleasure. I love them and look forward to them. Sundays are a great day to catch a nap. Most people are off work and have the availability to take a nap. If that isn’t the case in your situation, choose another day to have as your regular nap day.

4. Do Everything You Can the Night before

Do everything you need to do for the next day before you turn in. Get your clothes picked out and ready for the next day as well as anything else you can do ahead of time. This will help you to be able to sleep just a little longer the next day. And we all know that you get your best sleep right before the alarm goes off. If I can do anything to allow me to get a few more minutes of sleep in the mornings, I am all for it.

5. Drop the Caffeine Habit

Caffeine does get you going. It also keeps you going when you need to be stopping and resting. I don’t drink caffeine because it doesn’t agree with me but if you do, you need to monitor it. Make it a goal to not drink it after noon or at least not after three of four. This will make a tremendous difference in the quality, as well as the quantity, of sleep that you get.

6. Sleep in when You Can

If you have a day that you can sleep in, I say go for it. I know that experts say that you should go to bed and get up at the same time every day and that is truly is wonderful advice. But sometimes you just have to sleep when you can. If you are sleep deprived, I think any minute of sleep you can catch is helpful. And besides, who doesn’t love to sleep in once in a while?

7. Give Yourself Permission to Rest

You know, this one is really, really hard for me. I try to go and go and go and then I just collapse in exhaustion. That is not a good cycle to get on. I have had to learn, and am still learning, that there needs to be a time to rest. When you allow your body to rest, you feel better physically, mentally and emotionally.

Getting enough sleep is very important. What do you do to sneak sleep into your life? I am always open for tips.