5 Steps to a Good Night's Sleep

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Step 2

Do z math: "Most adults require seven to nine hours of sleep a night," says Dr. Emsellem. Since constant catch-up can make it hard to determine exactly how much your body needs, figure it out on your next vacation, when you're miles away from your alarm clock and jam-packed schedule. "You should reach a point where you're going to bed at the same time, rising at the same time, and feeling rested," says Clete Kushida, MD, PhD, director of the Center for Human Sleep Research at Stanford University. "That's your optimal sleep length." Once back home, make it a goal to stick to that amount, since skimping even a little can have a huge effect on your mood and concentration: "Studies have shown that if you cut back by about an hour just for one night, your alertness decreases by up to one-third," says Dr. Kushida.

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pegenereux wrote:

Good ideas...but drop the ipod ads...just say listen to music using your mp3 or other handheld device...not everyopne is an ipod user! THanks

10/24/2012 09:22:37 PM Report Abuse

cabrooker1 wrote:

Go to http://www.InsomniaDoc.com to get real advice on how to treat insomnia from a Cleveland Clinic-trained Sleep Doctor and Neurologist, Dr. Craig Brooker, M.D.

12/2/2011 03:20:59 PM Report Abuse

beautyinsimplet wrote:

i find it odd that it recommends reading a couple chapters of your favorite book only to follow up with....dont take books to bed?

10/19/2011 02:29:22 PM Report Abuse

evelyndamayon66 wrote:

the exercises are helpful to have good sleep. thank you

9/4/2011 07:48:01 PM Report Abuse

rrogerg wrote:

Nice article but we all know that we need to sleep more and have a regular and timely routine for getting the zzz we need. Would have been more helpful if it would have addressed ways to actually fall asleep and stay asleep. Or how about discussing natural alternatives and fitness routines that help promote better and more fulfilling rest at night.

12/16/2009 08:13:47 PM Report Abuse