7 Tips for Better Sleep

Arrived!

1. Get regular exposure to daylight, especially in the afternoon. Research shows that night-shift workers can improve daytime sleep by working under bright lights.

2. Prior to bedtime, use dimmer switches or turn off a few lamps to lower the lighting in your home or apartment.

3. Don't allow yourself to nod off on the sofa. When you start feeling drowsy, get up and go to bed.

4. Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex. Don't make it a satellite office, study hall or entertainment center.

5. When you can't sleep, try using imagery and thoughts to relax. Deep-breathing techniques also work.

6. If you haven't dropped off within about 20 minutes, get out of bed and read or engage in some other quiet activity. Go back to bed when you get sleepy.

7. Put the alarm clock out of sight. Clock watching doesn't help you sleep -- it may even keep you awake!