Sleep Tight

How to Get a Good Night's Sleep

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

Dating Tips and Advice

Q: Dear April Masini,

I've always had problems getting to sleep -- and staying asleep. I find myself throughout the day tired and groggy yet I can't fall asleep when I'm in bed at night. How can I get a better night's sleep?

Sincerely,

Sleepless Sally 

A:

Dear Sleepless Sally,

It sounds like your lack of sleep could be affecting your everyday life. Here are tips to sleep better. 

1. Don't hang out with anyone who has bad sleep habits. They will rub off.  

2. Calm things down a few hours before bedtime. Don't go to the gym right before bed. Don't watch thrillers on TV right before bed.

3. Turn the television off one hour before desired bedtime. Read. 

4. No sugar snacks before bedtime. Sugar is a stimulant. No caffeine, either -- that includes coffee and chocolate ice cream. 

5. No "heavy" talks before bedtime. Don't do or talk about anything intense or "heavy" emotionally right before bed. No relationship talks with anyone after dark. 

6. Don't fight with your spouse, your boss, your parents or anyone else before bed. 

7. Make sleep a priority over everything else. Make it a religious observance. 

8. A warm bath before bed will relax your body and make sleep come more easily. 

9. Make bedrooms dark and restful. 

10. Make the house quiet and conducive to sleep at night. And don't sleep in your clothes. Have bed clothes or sleep naked.

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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