In addition to healthy eating and daily exercise there are other things you can do to ensure a better sleep. Adding just one of these tips could make the difference in getting a better sleep tonight or popping a sleeping aid – oh my! Try one or all of these tips and you will be thanking me in the morning.

Tip #1 – Avoid coffee after lunchtime.

While we often turn to coffee as our favorite no/low calorie afternoon pick me up, just say “no” if you want a better sleep tonight. This does not give you permission to trade in your coffee for a high calorie sugar snack. Have a decaffeinated green, white, or black tea. These teas have proven health benefits and can make for a calmer afternoon at work.

Tip #2 – Prepare for tomorrow today.

Do just like your mother taught you. Lay out your clothes along with any items needed for tomorrow the night before. This will help reduce some of the “to do” mind chatter that is keeping you from getting to sleep.

Tip #3 – Keep the room pitch dark.

Purchase black out curtains to ensure the moonlight, street light, or the morning sun doesn’t sneak in. Even dim light has been shown to prevent us from getting the deep sleep we need each night.

Tip #4 – Kill the noise.

No radios or TVs, please. If there is a night owl in your house then ask him to listen or watch TV in another area of the home. Hopefully, you’ve already removed the television from the bedroom.

If you’re eating right, exercising, applied every tip, trick, or technique known to man, and you haven’t been diagnosed with a sleep disorder then it just might be your mattress that’s contributing to your problem. A visco elastic foam mattress may be something you want to consider. Be sure to do your research when you are looking to buy a new mattress.