Insomnia: What to Avoid for Better Sleep

Things to avoid if you have insomnia

* Caffeine and alcohol in the hours before bedtime. Caffeine is a stimulant that can keep you awake, and alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns.

* Heavy meals before bedtime. A large meal can make you feel uncomfortable and make it harder to fall asleep.

* Napping during the day. Napping can interfere with your ability to fall asleep at night.

* Using electronic devices in bed. The light from electronic devices can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps you feel sleepy.

* Exercising too close to bedtime. Exercise can increase your body temperature and make it harder to fall asleep.

* Going to bed at different times each night. This can disrupt your body's natural sleep-wake cycle.

* Creating a stressful environment in your bedroom. Your bedroom should be a calm, relaxing place where you can feel comfortable and at peace.

* Going to bed hungry. Going to bed hungry can cause your blood sugar levels to drop during the night, which can wake you up.

* Smoking. Smoking can damage the sleep center in the brain and make it harder to fall asleep.

* Taking certain medications. Some medications can cause insomnia as a side effect. Talk to your doctor if you think your medication may be interfering with your sleep.