Sleep Hygiene NDSU Counseling Center Ceres 212

Sleep Hygiene NDSU Counseling Center Ceres 212 231-7845 www.ndsu.edu/counseling

What is sleep hygiene? Sleep practices that help you maintain your health. These practices can help you get to sleep easier and feel more rested.

Why does it matter? Sleep deprivation can cause the following – shortened life spans – increased risk of heart disease and stomach problems – irritability, depression – increased risk of automobile crashes – decreased work performance and memory lapses – marital, social and employment problems – difficulty learning

Basics of Good Sleep Hygiene Protect your need for sleep – Ensure that you have 7.5-8 hours set aside for sleep every day Keep regular sleep hours – an erratic sleep schedule messes up your biological clock and can make getting a full night’s sleep more difficult – go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning

Basics of Good Sleep Hygiene Avoid vigorous exercise before sleep Avoid late afternoon or evening naps Avoid eating large meals before bed Do not allow yourself to lie in bed and worry – get up and do something to alleviate the worry (like journalling)

Basics of Good Sleep Hygiene Avoid caffeine before bed Take a warm bath before bed if you have a particularly difficult time getting to sleep Listen to soothing music Use your bed only for sleeping – do not read, watch tv, or study in bed learn to associate your bed with relaxation

Basics of Good Sleep Hygiene Ensure a dark, quiet, cool environment Avoid oversleeping or lying in bed for prolonged periods of time after your sleep is completed

If you can’t sleep . . . Try not to care whether you fall asleep or not - sometimes worrying about falling asleep is enough to keep you awake Do something relaxing to distract yourself from you inability to sleep

If you can’t sleep . . . Avoid activities like housekeeping, laundry, reading, etc. that will get you active Try boring activities Eat a light snack

To Learn More Visit with the Counseling Center 212 Ceres Hall - 231-7671 www.ndsu.edu/counseling Visit Student Health Services Wellness Center - 231-7331 http://wellness.ndsu.nodak.edu/shs/