Bad sleep habits can cause more than a tired feeling.

On average, adults need around seven to eight hours of sleep per night.  And good sleep isn’t just about the number of hours. The quality of your sleep also is important.

When you regularly get less sleep than you need, you can increase your risk of everything from high blood pressure to injury from a car crash (sleepy drivers cause thousands of vehicle accidents every year). A lack of quality sleep also could cause you to perform poorly at work or overeat.

Try these good habits to help you fall and stay asleep.

Exercise earlier in the day.

• Avoid caffeine late in the day.
• Don’t eat a big meal close to bedtime.
• Make your bedroom as cool, dark and quiet as possible.
• Create a sleep routine with a regular bedtime.
• Put away electronic devices, and turn off the TV at least an hour before bedtime.

If you’re still having a hard time falling or staying asleep, talk with your doctor during your annual physical or your next appointment.

Sources: healthfinder.gov, mayoclinic.org

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