Lack of sleep is an epidemic that shows no signs of slowing. It’s the rare person that gets the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep that adults need, but still some people don’t seem to make that a priority. There’s no doubt that old and worn out mattresses can be a culprit for people tossing and turning, and if that’s the case, then you need to get to the Orange County mattress stores to seek a replacement. But what else can you to try and get the sleep that your mind and body need to recuperate?

Most people can make it to work on time because they know that if they don’t, they could be reprimanded or fired. They also can make it to the couch at a particular time if they know their favorite TV program is about to start. It’s because they prioritize that they can do these things. If you make sleep a priority in the same way that you would something else you consider necessary, then you have a better chance of getting more rest. Set a firm bedtime, and stick to it.

If you’ve taken a trip to the Orange County mattress stores recently, then your quality of sleep has probably improved. You might be enjoying your rest so much that you don’t want to get out of bed when the alarm goes off, and you might keep hitting the snooze button for another half an hour. However, this is counterproductive, as the extra few minutes of sleep you might get this way are not particularly deep or restful. It will do your body better if you just set the alarm for the time that you need to get up.

What you drink and eat affects your sleep cycle more than you might be aware. Try not to eat anything else if you are going to bed within the next 2-3 hours. Your body will be more ready to shut down if it is not in the midst of the process of digestion. If you drink alcohol, do so earlier in the evening and not right before bed. Some people might think that alcohol makes you pass out or sleep better, but the opposite is the case. Don’t drink any caffeine in the afternoons or evenings either. Stick to mornings with it and you’ll have a better chance of avoiding insomnia. Caffeine takes several hours to stop working on your system.

If you do these things in conjunction with hitting the Orange County mattress stores and getting a nice new mattress, then you should be well set up for better sleep habits. Try to think about how your behavior during the day affects how you’re sleeping at night. Better decision making will lead to more restful evenings.