With a suggestion of 8 hours per night of sleep, what makes this area of wellness so important that the average person should spend 33% of their day engaged in sleep? In studies of humans and other animals, scientists have discovered that sleep plays a critical role in immune function, metabolism, memory, learning, and other vital functions.
According to the Division of Sleep Medicine from Harvard Medical School, here are 12 steps for improving sleep:
1. Avoid Caffeine, Alcohol, Nicotine, and Other Chemicals that Interfere with Sleep
2. Turn Your Bedroom into a Sleep-Inducing Environment
3. Establish a Soothing Pre-Sleep Routine
4. Go to Sleep When You’re Truly Tired
5. Don’t Be a Nighttime Clock-Watcher
6. Use Light to Your Advantage
7. Keep Your Internal Clock Set with a Consistent Sleep Schedule
8. Nap Early—Or Not at All
9. Lighten Up on Evening Meals
10. Balance Fluid Intake
11. Exercise Early
12. Follow Through