Keep in sync with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle

Is a naturally occurring hormone controlled by light exposure that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. 

Your brain secretes more melatonin when it’s dark, making you sleepy, and less when it’s light, making you more alert. 

However, many aspects of modern life can alter your body’s production of melatonin and shift your circadian rhythm

During the day:

• Expose yourself to bright sunlight in the morning. 
• Spend more time outside during daylight. 
• Let as much natural light into your home or workspace as possible.

At night:

• Avoid bright screens within 1-2 hours of your bedtime.
• Say no to late-night television.
• Don’t read with backlit devices. 
• When it’s time to sleep, make sure the room is dark.
• Keep the lights down if you get up during the night.

• Limit caffeine and nicotine.
• Avoid big meals at night (within 2 hours of bed).
• Avoid alcohol before bed.
• Avoid drinking too many liquids in the evening.
• Cut back on sugary foods and refined carbs.

If you need a bedtime snack, try:

• Half of a turkey sandwich
• A small bowl of whole-grain, low-sugar cereal
• Milk or yogurt
• A banana

• People who exercise regularly sleep better at night and feel less sleepy during the day. 
• The more vigorously you exercise, the more powerful the sleep benefits. But even light exercise improves sleep quality.
• It can take several months of regular activity before you experience the full sleep-promoting effects. 
• Try to finish moderate to vigorous workouts at least three hours before bedtime.

• Keep noise down. Earplugs may help.
• Keep your room cool (around 65° F /18° C).
• Make sure your bed is comfortable. 
• Reserve your bed for sleeping and sex. No TV or working in bed - it will be easier to wind down when the brain associates the bedrom with just that. 

• Deep breathing. Close your eyes and take deep, slow breaths, making each breath even deeper than the last.
• Progressive muscle relaxation. Starting with your toes, tense all the muscles as tightly as you can, then completely relax. Work your way up to the top of your head.
• Visualizing a peaceful, restful place. Close your eyes and imagine a place that’s calming and peaceful. Concentrate on how relaxed this place makes you feel.

• Try not to stress over your inability to fall asleep again.
• Make relaxation your goal, not sleep.
• If you’ve been awake for more than 15 minutes, get out of bed and do a quiet, non-stimulating activity.
• Postpone worrying and brainstorming.