The Definitive Guide to Getting Better Sleep

POPSUGAR Photography | THEM TOO
POPSUGAR Photography | THEM TOO

If a night of restful, quality sleep is ever elusive, your daily habits are in need of a revamp. Read on for 25 tips and tricks to get you on your way to a better night's sleep.

01
Wake Up at the Same Time Every Day
POPSUGAR Photography | THEM TOO

Wake Up at the Same Time Every Day

Sleeping in on the weekends can make it that much harder to feel well-rested during the week, so stop the Sunday morning lie-ins and stick to your normal wake-up time. You'll have an easier time getting to sleep and won't feel as groggy the next morning.

02
Eat Sleep-Inducing Foods
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Eat Sleep-Inducing Foods

A nighttime snack of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey may just help you get a better night's rest: both honey and dairy contain compounds that may induce sleep. Get a list of sleep-inducing foods here so you can choose your midnight snack wisely.

03
Stretch Before Bed
Louisa Larson Photography

Stretch Before Bed

Stretching your limbs relieves aches, but it can also calm you and prep you for sleep. Here are a few ideas for stretching before bed so you can begin the relaxation process.

04
Don't Nap
POPSUGAR Photography | THEM TOO

Don't Nap

Even if restless sleep makes you want to nap during the day, don't. That nap may be just what's keeping you from catching nightly Zs. Instead, take a walk or get some fresh air to reenergize until it's bedtime.

05
Read a Book
POPSUGAR Photography | Mark Popovich

Read a Book

Set aside a few minutes each night to meander your way through a favorite book to help power down from a hectic day.

06
Don't Drink
POPSUGAR Photography | THEM TOO

Don't Drink

Alcohol in your system can lead to a disruptive night of sleep, so if you usually enjoy a glass of wine every night, go without and see if it helps your slumber.

07
Take a Warm Bath or Shower
POPSUGAR Photography | Mark Popovich

Take a Warm Bath or Shower

A warm bath or shower can further soothe your muscles; it's also great if you're suffering from a cold or allergies, since the hot steam can help open up your sinuses to help you breathe better while you sleep.

08
Go Dark
POPSUGAR Photography | Mark Popovich

Go Dark

Electronics, alarm clocks, street lamps — all of these can prevent deep sleep. Turn off your TV before you drift off to sleep, get blackout curtains to keep outside light away, and cover anything else that's contributing to light pollution in your bedroom.

09
Change Your Pillow
POPSUGAR Photography | THEM TOO

Change Your Pillow

Your pillow may be hindering, not helping, your sleep, so make sure you're sleeping on the right one for you. Check out this guide of pillows you should be using based on your sleeping style.

10
Drink Herbal Tea
POPSUGAR Photography | Jae Payne

Drink Herbal Tea

Settling down with a mug of noncaffeinated tea can help you relax before bedtime. Up the sleep-inducing power by opting for herbs that have their own relaxing properties, like chamomile, mint, and valerian.

11
Stay Active
POPSUGAR Photography | Matthew Barnes

Stay Active

Exercise isn't the only way to expend energy; being active throughout the day, whether it's running errands or talking on the phone while you take a walk, helps ensure that you're sleepy when your head hits the pillow.

12
Avoid These Foods
POPSUGAR Photography | THEM TOO

Avoid These Foods

Eating the wrong foods will disrupt your sleep, so stay away from meals heavy in proteins, greasy foods, or these other foods to avoid late at night.

13
Use an App
POPSUGAR Photography

Use an App

Smartphone apps can help you sleep by guiding meditation, creating white noise, or tracking your sleep habits. Check out the best smartphone apps for sleep here.

14
Meditate
POPSUGAR Photography | Kat Borchart

Meditate

Clearing your mind allows you to drift off to sleep. Read about beginner meditation styles here to pick a style that's right for you.

15
Try a Natural Supplement
POPSUGAR Photography | THEM TOO

Try a Natural Supplement

Many people swear by the supplements melatonin and valerian for helping you get to sleep naturally. Read about the side effects of melatonin here and the side effects of valerian here to see if they may be a solution for you.

16
Have an Exercise Routine
POPSUGAR Photography | Kat Borchart

Have an Exercise Routine

Expend your energy for the day with exercise, and you'll be ready to drift off to sleep as soon as you hit the hay. Make an exercise plan so you stick with your fitness goals and sleep better in the process.

17
Put Away the Electronics
POPSUGAR Photography | THEM TOO

Put Away the Electronics

The blue light from tech devices tricks your mind into thinking it's day, so have a cutoff time for watching movies and catching up on email that's at least 20 to 30 minutes before you need to get to sleep.

18
Eat an Earlier, Lighter Dinner
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Eat an Earlier, Lighter Dinner

Eating a heavy, greasy, and late dinner can cause discomfort when you're trying to go to sleep, so go with an earlier or lighter dinner to ensure your digestive system isn't causing you to stay awake.

19
De-Stress
POPSUGAR Photography | Matthew Barnes

De-Stress

Constant worrying keeps you up at night, so learn to take time out to de-stress — both during the day and before bed — to clear your mind. From keeping calm during your commute to eating foods high in vitamin C, we've got 20 ways you can de-stress.

20
Stop the Afternoon Coffee Break
POPSUGAR Photography | Matthew Barnes

Stop the Afternoon Coffee Break

Caffeine affects people differently, but if you're finding that tossing and turning correlates to your afternoon coffee run, now's the time to switch. If you're looking for ways to reenergize in the afternoon, take a walk, gulp water, or trade your coffee for an herbal tea.

21
Do Yoga
POPSUGAR Photography | Kat Borchart

Do Yoga

Besides the stress-releasing stretch you'll give your body, yoga helps you relax your mind, as well. We developed this yoga sequence especially to help you sleep.

22
Find the Right Temperature
POPSUGAR Photography | THEM TOO

Find the Right Temperature

Did you know that the best temperature for helping you get proper sleep is between 65 and 72 degrees? Here are some ways you can adjust your bedroom temperature to the perfect degree.

23
Try Aromatherapy
POPSUGAR Photography | Jae Payne

Try Aromatherapy

Lavender and tea tree oil are two popular soothing scents; light a scented candle or add a few drops of these essential oils to your sheets to see if they help you drift off.

24
Check Out Your Mattress
POPSUGAR Photography | THEM TOO

Check Out Your Mattress

If you're tired all the time and waking up with aches and pains, then your mattress may be the thing that's keeping you from much-needed rest. For more signs it's time to buy a new mattress, read these tips.

25
Make a Routine
POPSUGAR Photography | THEM TOO

Make a Routine

Taking time to wind down in the night can help you prep your body and mind for a good night's sleep. Pick a few items from this list to make a pre-bedtime ritual; whatever you choose, make it a routine so you get used to the idea of "winding down."

26
POPSUGAR Photography / THEM TOO