Sleep Tip #10: Avoid Stimulants

Avoid coffee, soda, alcohol or anything that will stimulate your body before bed. Stimulants such as coffee or soda contain caffeine, which will speed up your heart rate, giving you increased level of energy. This will make it harder for you to fall asleep as your body wants to release the new found energy. Alcohol may relax you before bed, making it easier to fall asleep, but it is deceiving. Yes, you may fall asleep, but it may wake you up, needing to use the bathroom. It also keeps you from entering a deeper state of sleep, and you will more commonly wake up still sleepy.