Simple ways to help get a better night’s rest

We all know that you feel better when you get a full night’s rest. But sometimes that’s much easier said than done. Many of us have difficulty falling asleep or staying that way. There are lots of suggestions out there on how to get a better night’s rest, but what actually works? Here are some things that research shows can help:

Get your body used to a set sleep schedule. It’s important to get your body used to a tight schedule. Constantly going to bed at different times and waking up at different times can make it difficult for your body to get used to getting tired at the same time every night.

Turn off technology. When it’s time to go to bed at night, but your body isn’t tired, you might be tempted to bring out the laptop or smartphone. But that’s a bad idea, because the blue light from the screens will actually keep your body awake and make it harder to fall asleep. Dim lights are a signal for your body to fall asleep just like bright lights in the morning can help you wake up.

Test different pillows. The wrong pillow can make it hard to sleep. Test-drive a few different varieties.

Create a bedtime ritual. To help your body get ready for bed, it helps if you do the same routine every single night. A warm cup of tea or some reading time can help you fall asleep.

How much sleep do you really need? Here’s a guide to help your family get the sleep they need.