What should be avoided to promote better sleep hygiene?

To promote better sleep hygiene, it is important to avoid substances that can interfere with sleep quality, such as alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine. These substances are known stimulants or disruptors of natural sleep patterns.

Caffeine, commonly found in coffee, tea, and certain soft drinks, can keep individuals awake and alert for several hours after consumption. Alcohol may initially help people fall asleep, but it disrupts sleep cycles and leads to poorer sleep quality later in the night. Nicotine, found in tobacco products, is also a stimulant that can hinder the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.

While drinking herbal tea, taking short naps during the day, and engaging in bedtime rituals can contribute positively to sleep hygiene, avoiding these disruptive substances is key for enhancing the overall quality of sleep and promoting a more restful night.