Avoid These Things and Get a Good Night's Sleep

There are many things that may ruin your ability to get a good night's sleep. Here are some things to avoid in order to get the most restful sleep possible for your body.

• Loud Alarm Clocks
  Being awoken suddenly and harshly is stressful to the body, and thereby starts your day with more stress. If you can't get on a regular sleep schedule and wake up naturally, try an alarm clock that wakes you up more calmly and naturally, rather than having a buzzer or loud music.
  
  
• Snacks Before Bedtime
  Snacks, especially grains and sugars, will raise your blood sugar level and make it difficult to fall asleep. Likewise, when your blood sugar level drops, you may wake up and not be able to fall back asleep.
  
  
• TV Before Bedtime
  Watching TV before bedtime may stimulate your brain, making it more active which will make it harder to fall asleep.
  
  
• Taking Too Many Medications
  Certain medications, both prescription and over the counter, effect your ability to sleep. Read the side effects of your medications carefully, and talk with your doctor about natural alternatives to those medications if they affect sleeping habits.
  
  
• Alcohol
  Although alcohol makes people sleepy, it also hinders the body from falling into a deep sleep, which will make them more likely to wake up too early and not be able to fall back asleep.
  
  
• Caffeine
  Depending on how your body handles caffeine, even a caffeinated drink in the afternoon may affect you long after, making it hard for your body to fall or stay asleep.
  
  
• Working Before Bedtime
  If possible, try to stop working at least an hour before bedtime. This allows the mind to unwind and slow down so you will be able to fall asleep easier.