We spend a third of our life snoozing, but somehow sleep is so complicated. At night, we don’t want to go to bed. In the morning, we don’t want to get out of bed. 

And while modern society has sold us on the myth of surviving on four hours of sleep each night for the sake of productivity, science shows that poor sleep habits have a major impact on our health, well-being and even life expectancy. But the lure of quiet time while kids sleep, or finishing an episode of our favorite show, seems to overpower our need for more sleep.

What are some of the short-term side effects of not getting enough sleep? For starters, brain fog, bad judgment, emotional fragility, poor motor skills. Basically, we act like we’re drunk. Long-term effects of sleep deprivation include weight gain, anxiety, depression, memory loss, weakened immune system, lower fertility rates and early death. Yikes!

What can you do to get more sleep? Go to bed earlier! Ideally, you should be getting 8-9 hours of sleep a night. Also, stick to a schedule where you are falling asleep and waking up around the same time each day. Staying up a little on Friday and sleeping in on Saturday is okay, but general consistency will help your body and mind function best.

Setting the stage for sleep is crucial. This means turning off electronic screens at least an hour before bed and opting for screen-free entertainment like books (remember those?) or listening to calm music. To make it easier on yourself, charge your phone in another room so you aren’t tempted to check it. 

For more every day tips and secrets, check out these posts here:

If you’re a Diet Coke addict, try to keep your caffeine consumption before noon. (Or even better, kick the habit!) Also avoid eating heavy or greasy foods before bedtime. There’s a big connection between healthy living and sleep quality, so make sure to exercise and eat your veggies.

There are tons of products that will help turn your bedroom into a sleep spa. Here are some of my faves:

• Keep the sun from keeping you up or waking you up with these blackout curtains.

• Noise machines aren’t just for babies — let those ambient sounds soothe you to sleep. I use my Echo Show and there are tons of Sleep Sound options on that too!

• A foam pillow will provide pressure relief and cooling comfort while you soon. 

• Everyone is raving about weighted blankets for a reason — the heavy material will help alleviate stress and prevent restless limbs.

Lest you think I’m a sleep expert, please know that I often struggle with staying up too late and scrimping on sleep. But I’m dedicated to trying harder for my health and for my happiness. Like the old Benjamin Franklin adage says: “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”

Here’s to good sleep!