Sleep:How to Sleep Better Tonight
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RELATED LINKS
- Potential Sleep Saboteurs: 8 Factors That Could Be Keeping You Awake at Night
- Turn Your Bedroom Into a Comfortable, Calming Sleep Haven: 4 Rules to Follow
- Celebrity Sleep Secrets, and What You Can Learn From Them
- 4 Simple Strategies for Coping With Less Sleep at Work
- Read the Latest News on Sleep Disorders
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What You Need to Know
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Expert Lawrence Epstein, MD, Gives Advice on Light at Night, Mattress Care, and More Sleep Tips
Dr. Lawrence Epstein
Instructor at Harvard Medical School
Q: My wife wants to put a nightlight in our room, but I think that even a tiny bit of light keeps me awake sometimes. Is it my imagination?
A: No, it may not be your imagination. Light is a stimulant that can keep some people from falling asleep. The optimal bedroom is dark, quiet, and comfortable. Ideally, you'll get rid of all light sources in your room. Digital clocks and other electronics have LED displays that commonly light up people's bedrooms, so get rid of them or turn clocks to the wall when you sleep. You want to create an environment that's most conducive to sleep, and for you, that may mean complete darkness. Read More
A: No, it may not be your imagination. Light is a stimulant that can keep some people from falling asleep. The optimal bedroom is dark, quiet, and comfortable. Ideally, you'll get rid of all light sources in your room. Digital clocks and other electronics have LED displays that commonly light up people's bedrooms, so get rid of them or turn clocks to the wall when you sleep. You want to create an environment that's most conducive to sleep, and for you, that may mean complete darkness. Read More
Bedtime Behaviors That Work: 7 Habits That Will Prepare Your Body for Sleep
7 expert-recommended habits to try tonight
A consistent wind-down routine every day can help you fall asleep more quickly and reliably. Try any or all of the following relaxing behaviors for a restful night. Read More
SLIDESHOW
Turn Your Bedroom Into a Comfortable, Calming Sleep Haven: 4 Rules to Follow
It's the cardinal rule of sleep hygiene: Your bedroom should be a calming, comfortable haven—designated for sleep and sex only. The more clutter and distractions you're up against at night, the harder it will be to transition into sleep. View slideshow
A Pain Patient's Bedroom Makeover, From Place of Suffering to Sleep Haven
When anxiety took over her bedroom, Pat created a peaceful retreat
One of the main rules of sleep hygiene is to make your bedroom a place for sleep and sex only. But for all the things you're supposed to get rid of—the TV, computer, even your books—there are so many more you can bring in to make it a space you'd look forward to sleeping in... Read More
SLIDESHOW
5 Ways to Fall Asleep Faster
Poor sleep is nothing to yawn at—it takes a toll on everything from your job performance and sex life to overall health. Here, real ways to get the zzz’s you need. View slideshow
SLIDESHOW
Buy a Better Mattress With These 6 Smart Shopping Tips
You spend one-third of your life in bed, so it's important to choose your mattress wisely. Having a comfortable place to rest your head can help you look forward to your time in bed, instead of worrying about how long you're asleep. View slideshow
Video: Perspectives on Sleeping Better
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Beat Stress, Sleep BetterWhatever's bothering you, write it down
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Light at NightWhy your brain needs darkness to relax
( :56 ) -
A Peaceful Bedroom"I sleep really well in five-star hotels"
( :54 ) -
Yoga for Better SleepBeat stress, aches, pains, and insomnia
( 1:18 )
