Restorative sleep is a universal need. Whether we wake up rested or groggy depends in part on our sleep hygiene, the sleep-related behaviors that help us unwind and drift off each night. Take this test to assess your sleep habits.
1. I try to keep my bedroom cool at night.
2. I often need a caffeinated drink in the late afternoon.
3. I rarely feel the need to nap during the day.
4. I typically eat my last meal several hours before bedtime.
5. I try to make sure that I go to bed around the same time each night.
6. I get out of bed shortly after waking up.
7. There is often distracting noise in my room at night.
8. I exercise at least several times per week.
9. My bedroom is very dark at night.
10. In general, my diet has a lot of whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins.
11. I do not look at my phone or electronic device in bed.
12. If I can’t fall asleep, I get out of bed instead of just lying there.
13. I have a set nighttime routine that I use to unwind.
14. I try to go outside each morning shortly after I wake up.
15. I often do things like answer emails in bed.
16. I steer clear of alcoholic drinks at night.
17. I almost never fall asleep with the TV on.
18. I start winding down at about the same time every evening.
19. My bed is comfortable for me.
20. I tend to worry about the next day’s to-do list while trying to fall asleep.