We’ve likely all heard the news—Americans are incredibly sleep-deprived. However, according to recent research, achieving better quality sleep may be more important than actually increasing the number of hours of sleep. In fact, experts report that 6 hours of deep refreshing sleep is more beneficial than 8 hours of light interrupted sleep.
May is Better Sleep Month, so with that in mind, consider the following ways you can improve the quality of your sleep and reap the benefits of improved health and productivity:
- Establish a consistent sleep schedule by sleeping at the same time each day of the week (including weekends).
- Before bed, relax and limit any stimulating activities such as exercise and work.
- Avoid alcohol, nicotine and caffeine close to bed time, as they can disrupt sleep.
- Make the area where you sleep dark, well-ventilated, and at a comfortable temperature.
- Remove any distractions such as computers, mobile devices and televisions from your bedroom.
The key to better sleep is to create an environment that supports these habits. It may take a few weeks to do so, but the effort is worth it!