What Is Sleep Hygiene?

Getting good sleep is crucial to your physical and mental health, productivity and overall quality of life. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can lead to depression and anxiety. 

Short-term consequences of sleep deprivation include:

• Increased stress
• Reduced quality of life
• Emotional distress
• Mood disorders
• Cognitive, memory and performance deficits

Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Increased cholesterol levels
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Gastrointestinal issues

By improving your sleep hygiene, you can reduce sleep disturbances and counteract insomnia and other sleep-related disorders. And doing so has zero risks or costs.

Here are some tips for practicing good sleep hygiene before going to bed:

• Follow a nighttime routine that allows time for relaxing activities.
• Be consistent in waking up and sleeping around the same times each day, including weekends or holidays.
• Create a healthy sleep environment that includes dim lights and a comfortable room temperature that make you feel relaxed upon entering the room.
• Set a bedtime that is early enough for you to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep.
• Switch off all electronic devices such as TV, computers and smartphones at least an hour before bed.
• If you don’t fall asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed. Do a short activity without much light exposure. Avoid using electronics during this time.
• Use your bed only for sleep and sex.
• Avoid caffeine intake several hours before bedtime.
• Avoid large meals with high-fat contents and alcohol before bedtime.
• Reduce your fluid intake before bedtime.

During the day, follow these tips to get a peaceful night's sleep:

• Get enough exercise.
• Get enough sunlight exposure.
• Avoid smoking (nicotine disrupts sleep).
• Consume only moderate amounts of alcohol.

You can also optimize your bedroom environment by doing the following:

• Choose a comfortable mattress and pillow.
• Invest in high quality sheets and blankets.
• Use a heavy curtain or an eye mask to prevent light from disturbing your sleep.
• Cut out noise by using earplugs or a white noise machine.
• Try calming scents to help you relax.

Keep in mind that good sleep hygiene varies from person to person. What may work for one person may not work for others. So customize your sleep routine and learn what works best for you.