How to get a good night sleep

First things first, try to hit the hay and wake up at the same time every day—even on weekends! It’s all about training your body to know when it’s time to crash. I get it, staying up late to binge-watch your favorite shows is super tempting, but consistency really is key. Before bed, wind down with something relaxing—maybe read a book, do some light stretching, or enjoy a warm bath. Personally, I love sipping on some chamomile tea to help me unwind. Just make sure to put your phone or TV away for at least an hour before you hit the sack; that blue light can really mess with your brain’s sleep signals, and nobody wants that!

Your bedroom should be a sleep sanctuary. Keep it dark—blackout curtains are a total game-changer—quiet, and cool, ideally around 60-65°F if you can manage it. If noise is a problem, earplugs or a fan for some white noise can do wonders. And don’t forget to check if your mattress and pillows are actually comfortable; they can make all the difference.

Avoid heavy meals right before bed, and try to cut back on coffee or alcohol in the evening. If you’re feeling peckish, a light snack like a banana or a small glass of milk is a good choice. Getting some exercise during the day is great too, but steer clear of intense workouts right before bedtime—that’s just asking for trouble.

If your mind is racing at night, give deep breathing a shot or jot down your thoughts to tackle tomorrow. And while long naps can be tempting, try to keep them short; a quick 20-minute power nap is fine, but don’t go overboard. Lastly, make sure to soak up some sunlight during the day. It helps your body figure out when it’s time to be awake and when to wind down. If you’re still tossing and turning after trying all this, it might be a good idea to check in with a doctor to see if there’s something else going on.