There are many reasons to get enough sleep. It is the time that your body needs to rest and recuperate. Benefits of adequate sleep include your ability to:
feel and look healthier
think more clearly
increase your alertness and coordination
study longer and retain more information
decrease the chance of accidents
Try to incorporate some of the following tips to improve your "sleep hygiene."
Get up and go to bed at the same time each day.
Exercise daily, but avoid exercising too close to bedtime.
Have a sleep routine (relaxing music, light reading, shower) to signal to your body it's time to sleep soon.
Use your bed for sleep. Avoid watching tv, reading, etc. in bed so your body associates your bed with sleep. Sex is the only exception.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine before bed.
Relax your mind. Take a 1/2 an hour of "worry time" sometime before you lay down so your mind isn't racing while you're trying to sleep.
How much sleep do you need? The average is 8 hours per night, but it varies with each person. Listen to your body. The following are some signs you may need more sleep.
Exhaustion, fatigue or lack of physical energy.
Irritability, sadness, stress or anger.
Inability to concentrate or handle normal stress.
Difficulty speaking.
Frequent colds or infections.
Should you see a healthcare provider? If you have trouble sleeping most nights, it's worth considering. There are conditions that affect sleep which a provider may be able to treat you for. Read more about sleep disorders.
