What is sleep hygiene and how is yours?

Repetition of simple habits can either improve or worsen your sleep hygiene. If you’re having difficulty sleeping at night, chances are you have poor sleep hygiene. Signs that you have poor sleep hygiene may include difficulty falling asleep quickly, sleep disturbances, and an inability to stay awake and alert during the day. Other possible signs include decreased sleep quality, decreased mood and libido.

Poor sleep hygiene can greatly disrupt your daily routine. Studies show that there is a strong link between getting enough sleep and the development of serious diseases such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia. Making changes to achieve good sleep hygiene can lead to excellent sleep, ultimately leading to better health.