Create Effective Pre-Sleep Habits.

Those who sleep best at night (and fall asleep the fastest) are often those with effective pre-sleep routines. Pre-sleep routines are those patterns of habits or behaviors which signal to your body it’s time to wind down for the night.

While these pre-sleep habits may differ from person to person, there are some general habits which can help you turn off the day’s stress and get ready for bed.

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*Take some quiet time before bed. Turning off the TV and computer, and spending some time reading a book or journaling is a good way to calm your mind and prepare for sleep. The lights and sound from the TV and computer can actually make your body feel like it’s time to wake up, rather than time to sleep.

*Keep a regular sleep schedule. Try to go to bed about the same time each night and to wake up about the same time each day. I read somewhere that going to bed by 11pm is optimal for most people.

*Pull the shades and drop the temperature. You’ll sleep best in a dark and cool room.

*Wear socks. If you are troubled by cold feet at night, go to bed with socks. They will help regulate your body temperature so you can relax and fall asleep faster.

These pre-sleep rituals will help you wind down and get ready for a good night’s sleep.