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Tips for Achieving Better Sleep

Discover 10 proven tips for better sleep, from creating a calming bedtime routine to managing stress. Improve your sleep quality naturally and wake up refreshed!

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Written by Dr. J T Hema Pratima

Reviewed by Dr. Vasanthasree Nair MBBS

Last updated on 28th Jul, 2025

Introduction

Sleep is one of the most important aspects of a healthy life. Yet, many people struggle with poor sleep quality, leading to fatigue, mood swings, and even long-term health problems. If you find yourself tossing and turning at night or waking up feeling unrested, these simple yet effective tips can help you achieve better sleep naturally.

Why Is Good Sleep Important?

Sleep is essential for:

  • Physical Health: Helps repair muscles, boost immunity, and regulate hormones.

  • Mental Well-being: Improves memory, concentration, and emotional stability.

  • Energy Levels:  Keeps you active and productive throughout the day.

Poor sleep can lead to issues like weight gain, high blood pressure, anxiety, and even diabetes.

Common Causes of Poor Sleep

Several factors can disrupt your sleep, including:

  • Stress & Anxiety: Overthinking keeps the brain active.

  • Irregular Sleep Schedule: Inconsistent bedtimes confuse your body clock.

  • Screen Time Before Bed: Blue light from phones/laptops reduces melatonin (sleep hormone).

  • Caffeine & Heavy Meals: Stimulants and digestion issues can keep you awake.

  • Uncomfortable Sleep Environment:  Noise, light, or an uncomfortable mattress can disturb sleep.

Tips for Better Sleep

These are some tips for better sleep:

1. Stick to a Sleep Schedule

  • Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day (even on weekends).

  • This helps regulate your body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm).

2. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine

Wind down 30-60 minutes before sleep with calming activities like:

  • Reading a book

  • Listening to soft music

  • Taking a warm bath

  • Practicing deep breathing or meditation

3. Optimize Your Sleep Environment

  • Keep the Room Dark & Cool:  Use blackout curtains and set the temperature between 18-22°C.

  • Reduce Noise:  Use earplugs or a white noise machine if needed.

  • Comfortable Bedding: Invest in a good mattress and pillows for proper support.

4. Limit Screen Time Before Bed

  • Avoid phones, laptops, and TV at least 1 hour before sleep.

  • Blue light suppresses melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep.

5. Watch What You Eat & Drink

  • Avoid Caffeine & Nicotine:  Coffee, tea, and smoking can keep you awake.

  • Limit Heavy Meals at Night: Large or spicy meals can cause discomfort.

  • Try Sleep-Friendly Snacks: Warm milk, bananas, or almonds promote relaxation.

Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Tips

Dr. Mohamed Azeem, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Mohamed Azeem

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

2 Years • MBBS,MD(Internal Medicine) CCEBDM

Karaikudi

Apollo Hospitals Karaikudi, Karaikudi

450

68 Cashback

450

No Booking Fees

Dr. Sandhya Chandel, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Sandhya Chandel

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

16 Years • MBBS, MD (Int. Med.), IDCCM

Bilaspur

Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur

recommendation

94%

(125+ Patients)

700

700

No Booking Fees

Dr. Anand Ravi, General Physician

Dr. Anand Ravi

General Physician

2 Years • MBBS

Bengaluru

PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru

400

Dr Syed Mateen Pasha, General Physician

Dr Syed Mateen Pasha

General Physician

2 Years • MBBS

Bengaluru

PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru

400

Dr. D Bhanu Prakash, General Practitioner

Dr. D Bhanu Prakash

General Practitioner

10 Years • MBBS, AFIH, Advanced certificate in critical care medicine, Fellowship in critical care medicine

Hyderabad

Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad

690

6. Stay Active During the Day

  • Regular exercise (even a 30-minute walk) improves sleep quality.

  • Avoid intense workouts close to bedtime as they can be stimulating.

7. Manage Stress & Anxiety

  • Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.

  • Write down worries in a journal before bed to clear your mind.

8. Avoid Long Naps

Short naps (20-30 minutes) can be refreshing, but long naps disrupt nighttime sleep.

9. Limit Alcohol Before Bed

Alcohol may help you fall asleep but reduces deep sleep quality.

10. Seek Professional Help if Needed

If sleep problems persist despite lifestyle changes, consult a doctor. Conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may require medical attention.

When to See a Doctor?

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

  • Chronic difficulty falling or staying asleep

  • Loud snoring or gasping for breath (signs of sleep apnea)

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness affecting daily life

  • At Apollo 24|7, you can book a consultation with sleep specialists or schedule a sleep study if needed.

Conclusion

Good sleep is not a luxury, it’s a necessity for a healthy life. By making small adjustments to your daily routine and sleep environment, you can significantly improve your sleep quality. Start with one or two changes and gradually incorporate more for lasting results.

Consult Top Specialists

Dr. Mohamed Azeem, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Mohamed Azeem

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

2 Years • MBBS,MD(Internal Medicine) CCEBDM

Karaikudi

Apollo Hospitals Karaikudi, Karaikudi

450

68 Cashback

450

No Booking Fees

Dr. Sandhya Chandel, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Sandhya Chandel

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

16 Years • MBBS, MD (Int. Med.), IDCCM

Bilaspur

Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur

recommendation

94%

(125+ Patients)

700

700

No Booking Fees

Dr. Anand Ravi, General Physician

Dr. Anand Ravi

General Physician

2 Years • MBBS

Bengaluru

PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru

400

Dr Syed Mateen Pasha, General Physician

Dr Syed Mateen Pasha

General Physician

2 Years • MBBS

Bengaluru

PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru

400

Dr. D Bhanu Prakash, General Practitioner

Dr. D Bhanu Prakash

General Practitioner

10 Years • MBBS, AFIH, Advanced certificate in critical care medicine, Fellowship in critical care medicine

Hyderabad

Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad

690

Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Tips

Dr. Mohamed Azeem, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Mohamed Azeem

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

2 Years • MBBS,MD(Internal Medicine) CCEBDM

Karaikudi

Apollo Hospitals Karaikudi, Karaikudi

450

68 Cashback

450

No Booking Fees

Dr. Sandhya Chandel, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Sandhya Chandel

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

16 Years • MBBS, MD (Int. Med.), IDCCM

Bilaspur

Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur

recommendation

94%

(125+ Patients)

700

700

No Booking Fees

Dr. Anand Ravi, General Physician

Dr. Anand Ravi

General Physician

2 Years • MBBS

Bengaluru

PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru

400

Dr Syed Mateen Pasha, General Physician

Dr Syed Mateen Pasha

General Physician

2 Years • MBBS

Bengaluru

PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru

400

Dr. D Bhanu Prakash, General Practitioner

Dr. D Bhanu Prakash

General Practitioner

10 Years • MBBS, AFIH, Advanced certificate in critical care medicine, Fellowship in critical care medicine

Hyderabad

Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad

690

Consult Top Specialists

Dr. Mohamed Azeem, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Mohamed Azeem

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

2 Years • MBBS,MD(Internal Medicine) CCEBDM

Karaikudi

Apollo Hospitals Karaikudi, Karaikudi

450

68 Cashback

450

No Booking Fees

Dr. Sandhya Chandel, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Sandhya Chandel

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

16 Years • MBBS, MD (Int. Med.), IDCCM

Bilaspur

Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur

recommendation

94%

(125+ Patients)

700

700

No Booking Fees

Dr. Anand Ravi, General Physician

Dr. Anand Ravi

General Physician

2 Years • MBBS

Bengaluru

PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru

400

Dr Syed Mateen Pasha, General Physician

Dr Syed Mateen Pasha

General Physician

2 Years • MBBS

Bengaluru

PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru

400

Dr. D Bhanu Prakash, General Practitioner

Dr. D Bhanu Prakash

General Practitioner

10 Years • MBBS, AFIH, Advanced certificate in critical care medicine, Fellowship in critical care medicine

Hyderabad

Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad

690

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