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Don't: Finish the Emails Languishing in Your Drafts Folder
Researchers have found that before-bed exposure to the blue light from computers, tablets and smart phones suppresses melatonin levels, which can throw off your body clock as well as increase your risk of obesity.Do: Log off at least one hour before bed, and set your alarm an hour earlier in the morning to catch up on work. You could also try dimming your screen as much as possible, or downloading a program like F.lux, which adjusts your computer's display to be a warmer color at night.
Don't: Pop the Wrong Pills
A stuffy nose keeps sleep at bay, but so does pseudoephedrine, the main ingredient in many OTC decongestants (it's been known to cause insomnia).Do: Breathe easy with a decongestant formulated specifically for nighttime use. These usually contain antihistamines, which have been known to make people drowsy.
Don't: Take a Hot Bath
It's true that a warm soak can help you fall asleep, but not if you're climbing out of the water immediately before climbing into bed. Here's why: Your body temperature dips at night, starting at around two hours before sleep. A hot bath causes your temperature to rise and then cool down afterward, which will help you relax. It's this drop in body temperature that knocks you out, and the steeper the drop, the deeper you'll sleep.Do: Pay attention to timing, which is key. Bathe too close to bed and your temperature will stay elevated, keeping you on high alert. Make sure you're toweling off at least an hour before turning in.
Don't: Overeat
Research has found that going to bed with an uncomfortably full stomach can stimulate brain waves, which can result in nightmares—and the more unhealthy the food, the more disturbing the dreams.Do: Thwart unpleasant dreams--and unwanted pounds--by following the classic dieter's advice to chew small bites least 15 times before swallowing.
Don't: Decide to Get Something off Your Chest
Hold off until tomorrow to have it out with your sister about that annoying comment she made. Instead of feeling cathartic, it's probably going to rile you up, and your churning mind will continue to keep you awake into the wee hours. Stress and overstimulation before bed are said to be the main causes of delayed sleeplessness, or "parasomnia."Do: Declare the hour before bed to be your peaceful period, and avoid conversations that will rattle you.
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Published 12/02/2013
