10 Ways to Catch More Sleep!

In the busy world today, we get very little sleep. Studies show that the average adult is supposed to get 8-9 hours of sleep a day. It is hard to get that much sleep, especially when you have to stay up to finish a report for work, watch that late-night soap, or catch that replay of the football game you missed. In the morning you have to get up early, do your hair, and any other things you didn't do the night before. With all these factors, polls have shown that most people only get about 5-6 hours of sleep a day. Studies have proven that people who get 8-9 hours of sleep each night do better at work and they are just all around happier people. So to make your life better, here are 10 ways to help you get more sleep.

1. Set a routine

Setting a bedtime routine helps you wind down. Try making a list for yourself such as: brush teeth, wash face, read book, lights out! This helps your body get into a pattern and realize that it's time to go to sleep.

2. Have a cup of milk

Drink warm milk if you feel hyped up or can't get to sleep. Studies have shown that warm milk produces serotonin in your brain, which helps your body fall asleep. You could also try putting cocoa mix in your warm milk.

3. Take a warm bath

Taking a warm bath also helps you relax. Experts say that heating your body up, then cooling it down makes you tired. Try making it part of your routine.

4. Turn on relaxing music

Listening to relaxing music helps you wind down. Try lullabies or classical music. Remember that listening to classical music makes you smarter!

5. Keep your room clean

If your room is clean when you go to bed, it will help you feel more at peace and make it easier to sleep. When your room is always messy, you feel cluttered and unorganized. Your subconscious is working overtime; you will wake frequently and will not get a restful night's sleep. If you don't believe me, try it!

6. Keep the temperature consistent

If you get cold during the night, wear socks or add extra blankets. If you get too hot, try fewer blankets or use a fan. When you are cold or hot, you toss and turn, and wake up frequently.

7. Don't procrastinate your sleep

You can't sleep if you are doing work or watch soaps. Don't put off sleep. You'll realize later how difficult it may be to catch up on your sleep. Finish your homework early and put down the video games or other distractions.

8. Don't keep the lights on

People usually turn off their lights when they go to sleep, but what about the eerie red glow from your alarm clock, or the green light of your cell phone charger? Block the light, change locations of the light or unplug it. This will help you get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer.

9. Don't drink caffeine before bedtime

Never, ever, ever, ever drink caffeine before you go to sleep. That never helps anyone sleep. If you are going to drink them, remember that energy drinks and soda pop are day drinks.

10. Don't worry, relax

Don't worry, relax. If you start worrying about something, write it down, and worry in the morning. Just focus on relaxing, and sleeping.

Here are ten really good guidelines that will help you sleep better. You may need to adjust them slightly to fit your lifestyle, but remember that your sleep is just as important as eating, work, and fun!

Good night and sleep tight!