How many nights have you laid awake in bed for hours, making tomorrow’s to-do list in your head, when you should be sleeping? Or do you get the recommended eight hours of sleep and still wake up groggy?

Good sleep rejuvenates your mind, body and spirit. And it is vital to staying healthy – lack of sleep has been shown to lead to an increased risk of heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.

Morris Bird, MD, neurologist and a medical director for the Florida Hospital Center for Sleep Disorders, shares these tips for getting better sleep:

• Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine, several hours before bedtime
• Exercise regularly, but not close to bedtime
• Allow time to “wind down” immediately before bed
• Listen to relaxing music
• Take a warm bath
• Establish regular sleep and awake times
• Maintain a comfortable, pleasant sleep environment
• Control lighting in the bedroom (dark is best)
• Invest in comfortable bedding
• Adjust temperature as needed

If these tips do not improve your sleep, you may have a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, insomnia or restless leg syndrome. A sleep study can diagnose these types of conditions. To receive a comprehensive evaluation by one of Florida Hospital’s board-certified sleep specialists, please contact 407-303-1700 to schedule an appointment.