Sleeplessness: give it a rest!

Every year, the World Sleep Society hosts World Sleep Day to raise awareness about the importance of healthy sleep. This year’s event will take place on March 13, 2020, and it’s the perfect time to reflect on your own sleep health.

Did you know that roughly two-thirds of the world’s adult population doesn’t get the recommended eight hours of sleep per night? If you’re one of the many people who has trouble falling or staying asleep, here are three things you can do to get a better night’s rest.

1. Use your bed only for sleep. Reserve your bed solely for sleep and sex. Doing anything else, such as working or studying, can cause your brain to associate the space with other activities, making it harder to fall asleep.

2. Create a sleep routine. Make it a point to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Establishing a relaxing nighttime routine can also help prepare you for sleep. For example, drinking a relaxing cup of herbal tea and reading a few pages of a book each night can be a signal to your brain and body that it’s time to sleep.

3. Turn your screens off. The light emitted from the screens on televisions, cellphones, computers and tablets can trick your brain into thinking that it’s daytime. Promote healthy sleep by keeping electronics out of the bedroom and not using them during the hour before you go to bed.

Finally, make sure your bedroom is conducive to sleep by keeping it dim and cool at night, buying a comfortable mattress and investing in bedding that’s not too warm or cool for the season.