How to Get Back Your ZZZZZs

• Avoid watching TV, eating and discussing emotional issues in bed.
• Minimize noise, light and temperature extremes in the bedroom.
• Try not to drink fluids after 8pm.
• Avoid naps or take short ones (no more than 25 minutes).
• Don’t smoke near bedtime.
• Don’t drink caffeine at least four hours before bedtime.
• Avoid eating, exercising and alcohol before bedtime.
• Do you sleep with a pet? If you have pet allergies this could interfere with a good nights rest or maybe your pet’s movements wake you up. If this is the case, consider getting your pet its own sleeping space.
• Lose weight and exercise regularly to decrease snoring, sleep apnea and other chronic conditions that affect sleep.
• Don’t ignore depression – seek help from family, friends or a professional.
• Reduce stress by practicing meditation or performing relaxation exercises before bedtime. Look into aromatherapy, music or yoga and how these things can help.
• If despite your efforts nothing seems to work, talk to your doctor about other options you might consider.

Don’t deprive yourself of the sleep you need. Remember, everything seems a little better after a good night’s rest

Source : www.AARP.org