Avoid Sleeping In
As tempting as it may be, don't try to make up for a lack of sleep by staying in bed on the weekends. Sleeping in won't make up for a sleep deficit. In fact, according to a recent Harvard study, when you snooze extra hours to compensate for sleep deprivation, your ability to focus is worse than if you had stayed up all night.
Exercise by Day to Sleep at Night
Regular exercise can help you sleep better. For best results, exercise outside before dinner. Studies say that exposure to late afternoon sun can help regulate your circadian rhythms or internal clock. But don't rev up with exercise near bedtime. In the evening, light yoga or stretches can help you wind down. If you have a medical problem or are over 50 check with your doctor before starting an exercise routine.
Choose Evening Snacks Wisely
An oatmeal raisin cookie and a glass of milk can help you fall asleep. That's because this snack includes complex carbs that likely increase levels of sleep-inducing amino acid tryptophan. Other sleep-boosting choices: a piece of whole grain toast or a small bowl of cereal.
Get on a Sleep Schedule
Find yourself off track when it comes to sleep? Here's how to fix your slumber schedule. Start by getting to bed and getting up at the same time every day of the week, including weekends. It helps if your bedroom is conducive to sleep: dark, cool, and quiet. Adults should get seven or eight hours of sleep a night.
Wind Down Your Brain
Try blocking out a daily "worry time" to get anxiety out of your system before bed. Make time just after dinner to plan your next day, catch up on email, and tie up loose ends. Then you can have time before bed to let go of your anxieties and relax.
If You Nap, Keep it Short
Whether you should nap during the day depends on how you normally sleep at night. If you typically sleep well, then an occasional short nap is OK. Naps can make you function better, lower your blood pressure, and maybe even help you live longer. Avoid napping too late in the day, as it might affect your nighttime sleep. But if you have sleep problems, naps may mess up your sleep schedule even more.
Avoid Hidden Sleep Wreckers
Caffeine can perk you up so avoid it after lunch if you have trouble sleeping at night. It can stay in your system for an average of three to five hours, but some people are affected as long as 12 hours. Watch your afternoon food and drink choices. Caffeine may hide in soft drinks, tea, and chocolate. Also be wary of certain medications, such as decongestants and certain antidepressants, which can aggravate sleep problems.
Natural Ways to Help You Sleep
Some people try natural methods to wind down their day. Used medicinally for thousands of years, chamomile brewed in tea is non-caffeinated and may help relax you for sleep. Or try aromatherapy. Studies have found that lavender produces slight relaxing and calming effects when inhaled. For some people, melatonin seems to improve sleep. If you take medications, talk with your doctor before taking any supplement.
Try Relaxation Exercises
In the late evening, visualize something calming, using all your senses to make the image as vivid as possible. Or try progressive muscle relaxation. Tighten up the muscles in your toes for several seconds. Then relax them for 30 seconds. Focus on how relaxed they feel. Repeat this all the way up your body, ending at your neck and face.
When You're in Pain
Are aches and pains keeping you up at night? You’re not alone: According to one survey, two-thirds of people with recurring pain experienced poor sleep. And if you can’t sleep well, you may feel even worse during the day. First, make sure you practice good sleep hygiene. You may want to consider taking a nighttime pain reliever to help you doze off, but consult your doctor if pain commonly keeps you up at night.
Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD on July 02, 2012
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information: 
© 2010 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
Related Content
-
9 Surprising Reasons to Get More Sleep
More sleep may boost your mood, help lower your weight, and even pick up your romantic life.
- Is Stress Keeping You Awake at Night? Stress is a key cause of sleep problems. Discover 7 ways to reduce stress for better sleep.
- Women, Hormones, and Sleep Problems From pregnancy to menopause, changing hormones can wreak havoc on sleep. Try these tips to get rest at night.
- Sleep Quiz: How Well Are You Sleeping? Do you wake up tired? You may be sabotaging your sleep. Find out what you're doing right – and wrong.
Quick Facts
The Sleep You Need
Individuals vary, but most adults need 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night to feel rested. Think that’s a lot?
- Teens require about 9 hours of sleep.
- Infants typically need 16 hours of sleep.
After age 65, we sleep for shorter periods, but still need 7 to 8 hours. Hence, naps.
Sleep Poll
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.