A Few Helpful Hints

If lack of sleep is your problem, here are a few things to try, according to experts in the Center for Sleep Medicine at Bridgeport Hospital:

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.
• Avoid fluids in the 4-5 hours before going to sleep.
• Do not eat or drink heavily before bedtime.
• Exercise regularly, preferably six hours or more before bedtime.
• Try a relaxing routine, take a leisurely warm bath before bedtime.
• Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature.
• Do not go to bed until you are ready to sleep.
• Establish a regular bedtime and regular morning wakeup times, 7 days / week.
• Do not work or watch TV in bed.

If none of these sleep tips works for you, it might be time to ask your doctor if you may have a sleep disorder that could be diagnosed and treated through specialized sleep testing.

For advice, talk to your physician, or call the Center for Sleep Medicine at Bridgeport Hospital, 203-384-3817.