The Definitive Guide to Getting Better Sleep

Sleeping in on the weekends can make it that much harder to feel well-rested during the week, so stop the Sunday morning lie-ins and stick to your normal wake-up time. You'll have an easier time getting to sleep and won't feel as groggy the next morning.

A nighttime snack of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey may just help you get a better night's rest: both honey and dairy contain compounds that may induce sleep. Get a list of sleep-inducing foods here so you can choose your midnight snack wisely.

Stretching your limbs relieves aches, but it can also calm you and prep you for sleep. Here are a few ideas for stretching before bed so you can begin the relaxation process.

Even if restless sleep makes you want to nap during the day, don't. That nap may be just what's keeping you from catching nightly Zs. Instead, take a walk or get some fresh air to reenergize until it's bedtime.

Set aside a few minutes each night to meander your way through a favorite book to help power down from a hectic day.

Alcohol in your system can lead to a disruptive night of sleep, so if you usually enjoy a glass of wine every night, go without and see if it helps your slumber.

A warm bath or shower can further soothe your muscles; it's also great if you're suffering from a cold or allergies, since the hot steam can help open up your sinuses to help you breathe better while you sleep.

Electronics, alarm clocks, street lamps — all of these can prevent deep sleep. Turn off your TV before you drift off to sleep, get blackout curtains to keep outside light away, and cover anything else that's contributing to light pollution in your bedroom.

Your pillow may be hindering, not helping, your sleep, so make sure you're sleeping on the right one for you. Check out this guide of pillows you should be using based on your sleeping style.

Settling down with a mug of noncaffeinated tea can help you relax before bedtime. Up the sleep-inducing power by opting for herbs that have their own relaxing properties, like chamomile, mint, and valerian.

Exercise isn't the only way to expend energy; being active throughout the day, whether it's running errands or talking on the phone while you take a walk, helps ensure that you're sleepy when your head hits the pillow.

Eating the wrong foods will disrupt your sleep, so stay away from meals heavy in proteins, greasy foods, or these other foods to avoid late at night.

Smartphone apps can help you sleep by guiding meditation, creating white noise, or tracking your sleep habits. Check out the best smartphone apps for sleep here.

Clearing your mind allows you to drift off to sleep. Read about beginner meditation styles here to pick a style that's right for you.

Many people swear by the supplements melatonin and valerian for helping you get to sleep naturally. Read about the side effects of melatonin here and the side effects of valerian here to see if they may be a solution for you.

Expend your energy for the day with exercise, and you'll be ready to drift off to sleep as soon as you hit the hay. Make an exercise plan so you stick with your fitness goals and sleep better in the process.

The blue light from tech devices tricks your mind into thinking it's day, so have a cutoff time for watching movies and catching up on email that's at least 20 to 30 minutes before you need to get to sleep.

Eating a heavy, greasy, and late dinner can cause discomfort when you're trying to go to sleep, so go with an earlier or lighter dinner to ensure your digestive system isn't causing you to stay awake.

Constant worrying keeps you up at night, so learn to take time out to de-stress — both during the day and before bed — to clear your mind. From keeping calm during your commute to eating foods high in vitamin C, we've got 20 ways you can de-stress.

Caffeine affects people differently, but if you're finding that tossing and turning correlates to your afternoon coffee run, now's the time to switch. If you're looking for ways to reenergize in the afternoon, take a walk, gulp water, or trade your coffee for an herbal tea.

Besides the stress-releasing stretch you'll give your body, yoga helps you relax your mind, as well. We developed this yoga sequence especially to help you sleep.

Did you know that the best temperature for helping you get proper sleep is between 65 and 72 degrees? Here are some ways you can adjust your bedroom temperature to the perfect degree.

Lavender and tea tree oil are two popular soothing scents; light a scented candle or add a few drops of these essential oils to your sheets to see if they help you drift off.

If you're tired all the time and waking up with aches and pains, then your mattress may be the thing that's keeping you from much-needed rest. For more signs it's time to buy a new mattress, read these tips.

Taking time to wind down in the night can help you prep your body and mind for a good night's sleep. Pick a few items from this list to make a pre-bedtime ritual; whatever you choose, make it a routine so you get used to the idea of "winding down."