Tips for Sleeping

CPAP Therapy is Hard Enough Get the Basics Right Associate your bed with sleep. When your body associates your bed exclusively with sleep, laying in bed alone will induce sleep. Watching TV can awaken the body and ruin this association. Visit this CPAPtalk.com poll to see what other CPAP users think about TV in the bedroom and cast your vote. [1] Watch what you drink. Having a night cap might make you sleepy, but alcohol actually prohibits your body from getting the deep restorative sleep it needs. Also, caffeine may stay in your system up to twelve hours, so be aware of your bed time when you grab an afternoon coke or a cup of joe. [2] Have a smart bedtime snack. Large meals before bed may make it difficult to fall asleep, as some foods contain stimulating proteins. Foods rich in melatonin (cherries and oatmeal) or L-tryptophan (bananas and warm milk) are a great way to induce sleep. [3] Keep a normal bedtime schedule. Keeping a consistent bedtime is critical to falling asleep quickly. If you plan on changing your bed time, do it over a few nights in 15 minute increments. Keeping similar sleep hours on weekends will also help you fall asleep quickly during the week. [4] Get some sun. Our natural body clock is set to natural amounts of light and darkness. Getting sun helps sustain this rhythm, just as a dark room helps signify to our body that it is time to sleep. [2] Join our Newsletter! Check Out These Products to Enhance Your Sleep! [1] "Sleep Hygiene: Helpful Hints to Help You Sleep" - University of Maryland Sleep Center, 22 Sept 2009, (source). [2] "Tips for Getting Better Sleep" - HelpGuide.org, 2008, 22 Sept 2009 (source). [3] "Five Foods That Help You Sleep" - Caring.com. 12 August 2009. 22 Sept 2009 (source). [4] "10 Tips for Better Sleep" - Mayo Clinic. 23 June 2009. 22 Sept 2009 (source).