The following guidelines were established by the American Sleep
Disorders Association. These guidelines can be helpful in alleviating
all types of sleep disorders and will help most people sleep well:
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Get up about
the same time every day.
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Go to bed
only when sleepy.
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Establish
relaxing pre-sleep rituals such as a warm bath, light bedtime
snack, or 10 minutes of reading.
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Exercise regularly.
Confine vigorous exercise to early hours, at least six hours
before bedtime, and do mild exercise such as simple stretching
or walking at least four hours prior to bedtime.
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Keep a regular
schedule. Regular times for meals, medications, chores, and
other activities help keep the inner clock running smoothly.
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Avoid ingestion
of caffeine within six hours of bedtime. DonÁt drink alcohol,
especially when sleepy. Even a small dose of alcohol can have
a potent effect when combined with tiredness.
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Avoid smoking
close to bedtime.
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Try to nap
at the same time every day; mid-afternoon is the best time
for most people.
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Avoid sleeping
pills, or use them conservatively. Most doctors avoid prescribing
sleeping pills for periods longer than three weeks. Do not
drink alcohol while taking sleeping pills. |