Sleep gets messed up when you’re stressed, anxious, or depressed. You also get stressed, anxious, and depressed when your sleep gets messed up. Many of my clients report sleep problems so I have a pretty well rehearsed list of things to do to increase your chances of getting a restful night’s sleep.

• Maintain a regular sleep pattern
• Avoid long naps
• Don’t stay in bed awake for more than 5-10 minutes – get up if you can’t sleep
• Take the tv out of the bedroom
• Avoid caffeine late in the day
• Have a quiet, comfortable bedroom
• Hide the clock if you are a “clock-watcher”
• Establish a bedtime routine
• Avoid exposure to tv or computer screens at least 30 minutes before bed
• Get at least 20 to 30 minutes of exercise each day

Stick with the changes for at least seven nights and chances are you will have an easier time falling asleep and remaining asleep throughout the night.