Sleeping Better

Sleeping Pills
It is best to avoid taking sleeping pills if you can. The side effects of taking sleeping pills for a long time can be:

• Daytime hangover effects

• Daytime sleepiness

• Falls and confusion

• More sleep problems
   

How to sleep better

• Go to bed when you are ready to sleep. Current research has shown that just going to bed half an hour later can work.

• Have a bedtime ritual – do the same thing each night.

• Avoid coffee and other drinks and foods with stimulants.

• Regular exercise is very important.

• Avoid daytime naps.

• Keep the bedroom just for sleeping.

• Keep clock faces turned away and try not to check the time when you awaken during the night. . 

• Have a special "worry time" before you go to sleep.

• Have enough daylight during the day – natural light helps with sleep/night cycles.

• Try relaxation or other special ways of helping you sleep. 

• Try not to worry about not sleeping.

          Sources: Fiatarone-Singh, 2000; Combined Pensioners & Superannuants Association of NSW, 2000.