A good way to tell if you're getting enough sleep is to ask yourself if you feel happy, healthy and productive during the day. If the answer is no, try these strategies for a better night sleep:
Maintain a consistent schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on the weekends, so that your body gets accustomed to a regular schedule.
Establish a regular bedtime routine. Reading, taking a warm bath, listening to music or quiet meditation before you go to bed can prepare your body for a restful night's sleep.
Get comfortable. Invest in a pillow, mattress and bedding that are comfortable and provide adequate support. When it's time to go to sleep, keep the room dark, quiet, and not too warm or too cold. Turn off any nearby bright lights or noisy distractions.
Avoid stressful activities before bedtime. Paying bills, working, or exercising strenuously right before you go to bed make it harder to mentally wind down and fall asleep.
Finish eating two hours before bedtime. Giving your body time to digest after a meal reduces the chance of going to bed with heartburn or feeling bloated. Try to avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening, since it can delay sleep, as well as alcohol, which can interrupt sleep.
If you've tried the strategies listed above and still have trouble sleeping at night, contact a physician to rule out a medical problem such as depression, sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome.
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