5 quick TIPS for a better night's sleep!!

Exercise daily. This can help to improve your ability to fall asleep as well as the quality of sleep you get. In addition, exercise offers many health benefits such as boosted immune system, sharper brain function, enhanced mood (running for 20-30 minutes three times a week was found to boost one's mood the way the 10-20mg of Prozac daily would otherwise, but naturally!) and a faster metabolism.

Avoid naps. Naps, especially when taken late in the afternoon, tend to interrupt sleep at night. Instead of a nap, take a walk to invigorate yourself. If you must nap, try to take one earlier in the day and limit your nap to 30 minutes.

Avoid alcohol, caffeine and nicotine. Alcohol may help put some people to sleep but the quality of the sleep is usually poor. Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants and can interfere with both falling asleep and staying asleep.

Go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning. Keeping to a set schedule will help tell your body that it is time to sleep. The longer you keep your routine, the easier you will find it is to fall asleep each night. This also applies to weekends!

Create a bedtime routine to help you relax. Preparation for bedtime will help to alert your body that it is time for sleep. Think about the things that help you relax. It could be reading a book, listening to soft music, taking a warm bath or engaging in a quiet activity such as knitting. Spend some time each evening, right before bedtime to wind down, relax can help improve your ability to fall asleep. The 30 minutes before sleep are not for excessive studying or worrying!