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Because nothing is sweeter than a good night’s rest. 

We devote a large chunk of our lives to sleep. Around 200,000 hours of it in the first 60 years of our lifespan, in fact. So we’d better hope it’s of quality.

If you often feel grumpy or exhausted after a night of tossing and turning, here are 14 easy things you can do to help you get a solid sleep – every night.

Sayonara, insomnia. 

1. Aromatherapy oils 

A few drops of lavender oil on your pillow can increase your sleep quality by 20%. Lavender is a natural relaxant, and will help lull you into a blissful state of sleep.

2. Power off

The blue light on your phone or tablet can hinder your ability to fall asleep. Many phones come with a blue light filter you can switch on in the your before bed, or you could simply just refrain from scrolling before you plan to nod off.

3. Meditation 

Many people swear by meditation as a means of getting to sleep. Try it. 

Bridget Hall by Mario Testino for Harper’s Bazaar November 1993

4. Watch your nap time 

Naps can be really beneficial to your health, but try to keep them at 20 minutes or less if you’d like a restful night. 

5. A leg pillow 

Is back pain stopping you from getting 8 hours of shut-eye? Try a leg pillow. A pillow between your legs aligns your hips and relieved stress from your lower back.

6. Make your bed a sleep-only sanctuary 

Reserve your bed for sleep (and cuddles) only. Watching tv, eating, surfing the net or worst of all – working – in bed takes away from its aura of relaxation and rest.

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7. Get a routine going 

Setting your body clock is the way to go. Hitting the sheets at the same time every night and waking up at around the same hour every morning will help you fall asleep with ease.

8. Avoid caffeine after noon

Coffee in the morning is fine, but not so much in the afternoon. Look for hidden caffeine too – chocolate before bed can keep you up longer than you’d like. 

9. Smart exercising 

Working out is wonderful at helping you fall asleep – as long it’s not 3 hours or less before you hit the sack. 

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10. The alcohol myth

A lot of people think wine makes them sleepy. And it may help you fall asleep initially, but it’s not a good idea for a sound night’s rest. Alcohol dehydrates the body, so you’ll be waking up parched at various times throughout the night. 

11. Eat wise 

Eating rich and heavy foods before going to bed can hinder the quality of your sleep. Keep snacks light – and try not to eat an hour before going to bed. 

12. Dim the lights 

Start lowering the lights in the hours before bed. Dark lighting signals to your body to make melatonin, the hormone that sends your body to sleep. 

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13. Unwind the mind

Let go of work or daily stresses before going to bed. If you struggle to switch off, try a warm bath or relaxing music. 

14. Temperature control 

The perfect sleep temperature for most people is between 68 and 72 degrees. Being too hot or too cold has a major effect on our sleep quality – so it’s best to keep it in check.