Chances are you, like many Americans, are working harder than ever. And with that hard work it’s paramount that you be able to restore with a restful night’s slumber. With this in mind, The Better Sleep Council has provided these tips to help you achieve a good night’s sleep.

• Avoid regular exercise just before bed. You want to prepare your body for slumber, not action.
• Minimize your stimulants. Even when consumed hours ago, many caffeinated beverages can still cause sleeplessness. And recent research adds nicotine to that list.
• Keep a regular schedule. Changing the time you go to bed can disrupt your body’s biological rhythms and lead to the common “Sunday Night Insomnia.”
• Avoid late meals. The extra digestive processes can keep you awake. Conversely, don’t go to bed hungry; have a light snack.
• Don’t take problems to bed. If you have to, make a list and set it aside until morning.
• Avoid alcohol. You may feel relaxed, but chances are you won’t reach the deepest stages of sleep and restoration, and you’ll awake dehydrated.
• Keep a standard bedtime routine. Even simple things like brushing your teeth can signal your body that it’s time to go to bed.