Is every morning a struggle? Changing your sleep habits could ease the tension between you and your alarm.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Do you greet each day by glaring at your alarm clock and longing for just a few more minutes in bed? Many people accept groggy mornings and daytime fatigue as an unavoidable part of life, but those with healthy sleep patterns often experience an enviable peaceful morning and  an energized day at work. Sound like a dream? Here are some tips to reshape the way you approach sleep.

Find your ideal amount of sleep. You'll feel the most refreshed if you awake at the end of a sleep cycle, rather than in the middle of one. Sleep cycles typically last around an hour and a half, and people tend to feel the most rested after five cycles (around 7.5 hours of sleep) or six cycles (around 9 hours of sleep). Experiment to find what works best for you.

Get on a schedule. Once you know how much sleep you need, you can start to shape your routine around this number. Pick a reasonable bedtime and wake time that you can stick to. For best results, keep this routine on weekdays and weekends.

Make room for an afternoon nap. Humans function best on a biphasic sleep routine. This means getting one long period of sleep, typically at night, and then breaking up your day with another short period of sleep.  That afternoon slump you always feel is a sign that your body is ready for a little rest. Just make sure you don't nap for too long or take your nap too late in the day.

If you struggle with insomnia or daytime fatigue, find out how our sleep disorders laboratory can help you find the solution you need. Our lab is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and provides treatment for insomnia, restless legs syndrome, narcolpsy and sleep apnea. You can contact us at (305) 860-5208.

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