Sleep is important for our health and wellbeing as it helps us restore our bodies and brains, and keeps them functioning properly.
For some, good sleep can be hard to come by but there are things you can do to develop good sleep habits and get a good night’s rest.
- Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each day but it’s important to be realistic about your individual sleep needs.
- Try to go to bed at the same time every evening and get up at the same time every morning.
- Your sleeping environment should be comfortable and restful – and this goes beyond your mattress and pillow. Avoid temperature extremes and remove all distractions from the bedroom.
- Stress and sleeping difficulties go hand-in-hand. Taking steps to address stressful situations in your daily life can have a positive impact on your sleep.
- Your body clock is affected by light, so while spending time in natural daylight during the day can improve your sleep, when it’s time for bed, you should reduce your exposure to light. This includes lamps, televisions, computers and smart phones.
- Avoid eating or drinking coffee, tea, soft drinks and alcohol at least two hours before bedtime.
- Staring at the clock when you can’t sleep can make it more difficult to fall asleep. If there is a clock in the bedroom, make sure it’s covered or turned away from you.
References:
Health Direct. Sleep. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sleep
Sleep Health Foundation. Good sleep habits. Available from: https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/public-information/fact-sheets-a-z/187-good-sleep-habits.html
American Psychological Association. Why sleep is important. Available from: http://www.apa.org/topics/sleep/why.aspx
