How to Get a Good Night's Sleep

It's common not to get enough sleep every so often, but if you're constantly depriving yourself of shut-eye, your body will soon let you know. According to Prevention magazine, here are five signs that you need more sleep.

1. Simple decisions stump you.
2. You're still hungry after eating all day.
3. You keep coming down with colds.
4. Weird things make you cry.
5. You've become a klutz.

If this sounds familiar, I have some suggestions on how to get the zzz's you need so read more.

• Make your bedroom a sanctuary. It should be dark, a comfortable temperature, and your bed should be covered in soft and cozy linens. Remove all technology such as the TV, computer, and your cell phone, and replace them with candles and calming music.
• Take a hot bath before bed, or sip a warm cup of tea or milk. Both are soothing and help you wind down.
• Other foods are sleep inducers such as bananas, honey, and oatmeal.
• Limit the amount of caffeine you're getting, especially in the late afternoon/evening.
• Exercise daily. Using up energy will help you feel more sleepy at night. Just be sure to complete your workout at least three hours before bedtime to give your body temperature and heart rate a chance to return to normal.
• Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule each day of the week, even on weekends. Getting up and going to bed at the same time everyday will help your body fall into a natural rhythm, so it knows when to sleep, and when to be awake.
• If work or family issues are making you think and worry in bed instead of snoozing, figure out how to manage them. Talk to your boss, spouse, a friend, or therapist.