How to Set (and Keep!) a Healthy Sleep Resolution

The most popular New Year's resolutions tend to be about exercising more often or eating a healthy diet, but many people also vow to become better sleepers. It's time to welcome a new start after a year that interrupted much of our sleep habits, so now more than ever we recommend making a resolution to sleep better -- and stick to it.

While there are many ways to foster healthy sleep habits, we’ve compiled our top five tips to get you catching some Zzzs in 2023. (Although our top tip is always to stop snoring!)

Improving your overall physical and mental health can ensure you will sleep better. If you have not had a recent physical or check-in with your doctor, now is the time. Schedule a visit with your physician to review any recent physical changes or potential health issues. Manage any stress by incorporating physical exercise, such as yoga or meditation for at least a few minutes each day.

Our bodies simply can’t get into a rhythm and know when it’s time to sleep when you change the schedule frequently. Even on weekends, attempt to go to bed and get up within the hour of your weekday schedule.

For most, it takes their body three to four hours to process and digest food. Try not to eat too close to bedtime. When you choose what to eat for dinner, choose lighter foods. Big, heavy meals that are eaten late in the day can cause digestion issues and heartburn, making it difficult to fall asleep.

Keep your bedroom comfortable, cozy, and free of clutter. Make it a warm and welcoming environment with light bedding. Keep your room cool (65 to 69 degrees) and dark (no TVs, electronics, or nightlights). Heavy, light-blocking curtains can help to keep light out as well. If you have a digital or bright clock, make sure you turn it so that it doesn’t face you to disturb your slumber.

Giving your body time to respond to light and the dark cycle daily can often lead to earlier bedtimes. Forgo the distractors that can delay bedtime and can help shift the increase in the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin, which makes us sleepy, to early in the evening.

Finally, if snoring is keeping you up at night (yours or your bed partner’s), it’s time to stop snoring and start sleeping better. We have helped people seeking solutions for how to stop snoring for years. Browse our snore stopper solutions.