Sleep

Sleep Matters!

Better sleep leads to more success in academics, more energy to do the things you enjoy, and better dietary intake (less junk food and caffeine.) Sleep helps your body heal and repair and decreases your risk of chronic disease. 

Healthy Sleep Tips

1. Stick to a sleep schedule. Have the same bedtime and wake up time, even on the weekends.
2. Practice a relaxing bedtime ritual. 
3. If you have trouble sleeping, avoid naps, especially afternoon naps.
4. Exercise DAILY.
5. Evaluate your room - have a good sleep environment
6. Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows. 
7. Use bright light to help manage your circadian rhythms - avoid bright light at night.
8. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine, and heavy meals in the evening. 
9. Wind down. 
10. If you can't go to sleep, go into another room and do something relaxing until you feel tired. 
11. See a doctor if sleeping trouble persists. 

Adapted from Sleep Foundation: Healthy Sleep Tips. 

 

Additional Resources:

Lack of Sleep - Effects on the Body

Transforming your Sleep Environment

Best Exercises for Sleep

Sleep Hygiene - What It Is and Why It Matters 

All About Napping

All-nighters Can Be Harmful to Your Health

How Sleep Effects the Body - Infographic

How to Sleep Better - Infographic

Sleep Well - Infographic