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20 Sleep Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Sleep

1. Not getting enough sleep

The average adult needs around 7-8 hours of sleep per night. If you're not getting enough sleep, you're more likely to feel tired, irritable, and have difficulty concentrating. You're also more likely to get sick and have accidents.

2. Going to bed at different times each night

Your body's natural sleep-wake cycle is regulated by your circadian rhythm. When you go to bed at different times each night, you disrupt your circadian rhythm and make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

3. Napping for too long

Napping can be a great way to catch up on sleep, but if you nap for too long, you can actually make it harder to fall asleep at night. Napping for 20-30 minutes is ideal.

4. Drinking caffeine or alcohol before bed

Caffeine and alcohol can both interfere with sleep. Caffeine can keep you awake and alert, while alcohol can make you feel drowsy at first, but it can disrupt your sleep later in the night.

5. Eating a heavy meal before bed

Eating a heavy meal before bed can make you feel uncomfortable and make it harder to fall asleep. If you're hungry before bed, eat a light snack instead.

6. Exercising too close to bedtime

Exercising too close to bedtime can raise your body temperature and make it harder to fall asleep. Exercise is best done at least 3 hours before bed.

7. Using electronic devices in bed

The light from electronic devices can interfere with sleep. Using electronic devices in bed can also make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

8. Creating a poor sleep environment

Your sleep environment should be dark, quiet, and cool. If your bedroom is too bright, noisy, or warm, you're less likely to get a good night's sleep.

9. Not getting enough sunlight during the day

Sunlight helps to regulate your circadian rhythm. When you don't get enough sunlight during the day, you're more likely to have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep at night.

10. Having a sleep disorder

There are many different sleep disorders that can disrupt your sleep. If you think you may have a sleep disorder, talk to your doctor.

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