One of the most significant ways to improve your overall well-being is to maintain a proper sleep schedule. According to the Better Sleep Council, 79% of respondents from a study in 2014 believed they would feel better and more prepared for the day ahead with an extra hour of sleep each night.
When infants and children miss naps or don’t sleep enough it shows in their behavior and attitudes. For adults it is not that much different. Instead of throwing a tantrum, sleep deprivation reduces focus at work, impairs driving, and leads to weight gain. Here are some ideas for a better night’s rest:

• Set a bedtime and stick to it!
• Limit the amount you eat and drink in the two hours prior to turning in.
• Avoid exposure to any blue light devices (phones, tablets, TVs, etc.) 30 minutes prior to bedtime.
• Remove your phone from your bedroom or install a Do Not Disturb feature to minimize notifications.
• Set a wake-up time and stick to it! Avoid using the snooze button repeatedly and get up once your alarm goes off.

When you find that you are sleep deprived, give yourself permission for a personal time out to relax and recharge.

Provided by Guest Blogger Johanna Dunlevy, Wellness Director, Employee & Family Resources