Adopt sleep hygiene
Changes in behavior to enable good nighttime sleep may help a lot.
For example:
• Avoid beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, soda) and
alcohol in the late afternoon and the evening. Avoid smoking in any
situation where you are likely to doze off.
• Exercise on a regular basis but try to complete your exercise at
least three hours before going to bed. Physical exercise has been
proven to promote deep sleep.
• Keep your bed for relaxing activities only. Try not to use your
bed for waking activities such as reading, working, or watching
television.
• Follow a schedule: go to bed at the same time, and get up at the
same time every day.
• Get a good amount of nighttime sleep. Your doctor can help you
define how many hours you need. Taking naps can also help control
your excessive daytime sleepiness. If you can, take several short
(20 to 40 minutes) naps every day. Sometimes a single, long
afternoon nap can also give good results.
