Best Summer Ever: Day 61

August 30
Get Yourself Back on Track Sleep-Wise

Most of us aren’t getting nearly enough sleep -- and we’re paying a hefty price as a result. We’re moody, we can’t concentrate, we’re having more car accidents. We’re even gaining weight because we’re not getting our zzzs—as University of Chicago researchers discovered when they studied the link between sleep deprivation and weight gain.

Starting to think that you should take sleep a little more seriously?

Here are some tips on maximizing your opportunities for sleep. (Of course, if you have a baby, those opportunities can be frustratingly elusive. You may need some additional strategies to help you get some sleep.)

Create a sleep environment that is sleep-enhancing: cool, dark, and quiet.

Reserve your bedroom for sleep and sex. No TVs, laptops, or other electronic gadgets. Otherwise, your brain will be wired to stay awake, not fall asleep.

Stick to a regular sleep and waking schedule. If you sleep in on weekends, you’ll end up suffering the sleep world equivalent of jet lag come Monday morning. (Not a great way to start the week.)

Limit your intake of caffeine after noon, and pass on the nightcap. Both caffeine and alcohol can interfere with a good night’s sleep.

Skip late-night workouts, hefty bedtime snacks, and late night-TV. They're anything but sleep-inducing. The Sandman is more likely to heed your call if you take a warm bath an hour or two before bed, and then listen to some relaxing music or read something that will lull you off to Dreamland.

Related:

University of Maryland: Sleep Hygiene: Helpful Hints to Help You Sleep