I’ve been staying up past midnight and not getting out of bed until the afternoon recently. How can I start going to sleep and waking up earlier?

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Thanks for your question. Getting good sleep is an important thing everyone can do to stay healthy. There are lots of things that can affect sleep, including our daily activities, whether or not we drink caffeine, and stress. Here are some tips on how to improve your sleep:

  • Have a set schedule. Work on waking up and going to sleep at the same time every day. If your sleep schedule is later than you would like, you can try going to sleep 30-60 minutes earlier each night until it’s a time that works for you.
  • Have a set bedtime routine. This can include things like brushing your teeth, taking a shower, and listening to music. A routine can help your body prepare for sleep.
  • Avoid electronics before bed. While this is easier said than done, try to not use a cellphone, computer, or TV for 1-2 hours before bed.

For more tips on sleep, read our Sleep Health Guide

If you notice you are having a tough time falling asleep or staying asleep, talk to your health care provider. They may be able to recommend other tips, medicine, and/or therapy to help.