Sleep is a quiet, relaxing activity, so it doesn’t make much sense to try to transition to that directly from something that is quite the opposite. Our bodies don’t do well with abrupt changes. The same is true for getting ready to sleep. Quiet sleep rituals such as reading, listening to calming music, or taking a nice bath helps prepare us mentally and physically for sleep.
The 10 Worst Ways to Ruin Your Sleep
By Brandon Peters, M.D., About.com Guide
Updated August 24, 2010
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
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- Eat a large meal or drink lots of fluids right before bed.
- When you can’t sleep, just lie there and suffer.
- Try to sleep somewhere that is too cold, too warm, or too noisy.
- Take prolonged naps.
- Use your bedroom as a stimulating multipurpose room.
- Enjoy an alcoholic drink, cup of coffee, or cigarette just prior to bed.
- When you get busy, just sleep less.
- Stay active until the moment you hop into bed.
- Exercise before bed.
- Vary your sleep time from one day to the next.
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