Sleep Tip #45: Make a Comfortable Sleep Environment for Your Baby This Holiday

If you are traveling to another destination with your baby this holiday season, it's important that they get good sleep. When staying over at a friend or relative's house, your child may feel uncomfortable because they are not familiar with their surroundings. If they are scared or confused, it may be hard for them to fall and stay asleep. In order to keep your baby feeling safe and secure, make sure you use sleep associations when putting them to bed. If you usually turn the lights off or read them a bedtime story before bedtime, continue to do so when you're away from home. Bring familiar toys, bedding or pillows to further ease them into a good night's sleep.

Sleep Tip #26 - Make a To-Do List the Night Before

Does it seem that the moment you lay down to fall asleep at night, you realize there's 100 things you forgot to do that you will have to take care of tomorrow? This is very typical, as we tend to reflect about our days every night. Instead of worrying that you are going to forget something, make a to-do list! Writing down all the tasks you need to complete for the next day a few hours before bed will help to relieve your mind, and make falling asleep much easier.

Sleep Tip #4: Cooler Is Better

Lower the temperature a few degrees if you have trouble sleeping. It is has been studied and confirmed that a cooler room temperature will help promote sleep, as well as keep a person sleeping better. The natural reaction for the human body in preparation for bed time is to lower the core body temperature. If you are too cold, you will wake up just the same as if you are too hot. Finding a proper temperature to sleep, and sleep comfortably, may take some adjusting, but once found you may notice a deeper, more relaxed sleep.

Sleep Tip #3: No Pets!

Sleeping with pets on your bed can be a surefire way to miss out on some great sleep.  Whether it is pet hair, dander, or the like causing sneezing and discomfort, you'll want to keep the cats and dogs (and any other pets you may have) off of the bed.  Pets movements during the night may not wake you, but will keep you from experiencing optimal sleep conditions.  Tell Rover and Fluffy to take a hike - you need your sleep.

Sleep Tip #2: Pump Some Iron

Exercising on a regular basis will fatigue your body naturally, and allow you to fall asleep faster, while also  providing a deeper and more restful sleep.  However, be cautious about working out within three hours of your scheduled sleep time, as this will often make it very difficult to fall asleep.  Immediately after a work out, your blood is flowing quickly and your heart rate is higher than normal, which will make it difficult to fall asleep successfully.