Tips to Get a Good Nights Sleep
Be consistent. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends
Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature
Get some exercise. Being physically active during the day can help you fall asleep more easily at night.
Remove electronic devices, such as TVs, computers, and smart phones, from the bedroom
Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime
What To Do If You Are Concerned You Might Have a Sleep Problem
Meet with your primary care provider. They can do a careful evaluation of your specific sleep concerns and recommend strategies to improve your sleep.
Learn about sleep hygiene and keep a sleep diary. Sleep hygiene refers to setting up a sleep schedule, routine and environment to improve your chances for better sleep. A sleep diary helps to track when you go to sleep, how long you sleep and how well you sleep. The mobile app, CBT-I Coach, has information and a sleep diary.
Educate yourself on different aspects of sleep. The podcast, “A Better Night’s Sleep” is a set of interviews with experts on all topics related to sleep such as sleepwalking, nightmares, parasomnias, etc.
Sleep Tools
A Better Nights Sleep Podcast
Episodic podcast covering topics to help you sleep better at night.
Better Sleep App
A personalized sleep experience for more restful nights and wakeful days. iPhone / Android app featuring calming sounds, meditations and music.
Improve Your Sleep Guide
This is a comprehensive guide to help Veterans navigate their own struggles with insomnia and improve their sleep.
Insomnia Coach App
An app created for everyone to help manage insomnia. Based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I).
Chill Drills
Audio drills to help you fall asleep and sleep better.
Common Sleep Disorders
Visit https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/key_disorders.html to learn more about these common sleep disorders
Sources
Sleep
https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/index.html
https://medical.mit.edu/community/sleep/additional-sleep-resources
Additional Resources
Apps
https://soundcloud.com/abetternightssleep
https://mobile.va.gov/app/insomnia-coach/
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/products/chill-drills-4-getting-to-sleep-60/
Podcasts
https://soundcloud.com/abetternightssleep
Guides
Sleep Disorders
https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Total-Force-Fitness/Psychological-Fitness/Sleep