Sleep

11 simple habits to help you sleep soundly at night

Learn how your daily routine may be affecting your ability to sleep—and what adjustment you can make to help ensure you get the rest you need.


LearnSleepInsomnia11 simple habits to help you sleep soundly at night
Track your sleep
Break a sweat
Stick to a sleep schedule
Eat regular meals throughout the day
Take it easy on the espresso
Skip that second drink at happy hour
Limit mid-day naps
Reduce the use of technology
Make sure your bedroom is just for sleeping—and sex
Experiment with relaxation techniques

1 of 11

When you’re tossing and turning at 3 a.m., it may feel like you’re never going to get to sleep. But you may have more control over your sleep than you think.

From the time you have your last sip of coffee, to the number of meals you eat throughout the day, adopting and maintaining certain habits can help you wind down at night and get a healthy seven hours or more of quality sleep.

From Christopher Morgan, MD, a neurologist and sleep specialist in Grand Rapids, Michigan, here are 11 strategies to get more quality rest.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Preventi... + 18
  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Sleep. Page accessed September 30, 2024.
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adult Activity: An Overview. Page accessed September 30, 2024.
  3. Cleveland Clinic. How Exercise Affects Your Sleep. November 11, 2020.
  4. Alnawwar MA, Alraddadi MI, Algethmi RA, et al. The Effect of Physical Activity on Sleep Quality and Sleep Disorder: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2023 Aug 16;15(8):e43595.
  5. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Healthy Sleep Habits. Page last updated August 2020.
  6. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine is Too Much? Page last updated August 28, 2024.
  7. Gardiner C, Weakley J, Burke LM, et al. The effect of caffeine on subsequent sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Med Rev. 2023 Jun;69:101764.
  8. Sharp, Amelia. Alcohol and Insomnia: How Alcohol Affects Sleep. American Addiction Centers. Page last updated June 18, 2024.
  9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Moderate Alcohol Use. Page accessed September 30, 2024.
  10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. NIOSH Training for Nurses on Shift Work and Long Work Hours: Nap Duration. Page accessed September 30, 2024.
  11. Mayo Clinic. Napping: Dos and don'ts for healthy adults. November 9, 2022.
  12. Cleveland Clinic. Why You Should Ditch Your Phone Before Bed. May 20, 2022.
  13. Cleveland Clinic. What’s the Best Temperature for Sleep? November 15, 2021.
  14. Mayo Clinic. Relaxation techniques: Try these steps to reduce stress. January 24, 2024.
  15. Oesterling CF, Borg C, Juhola E, Lancel M. The influence of sexual activity on sleep: A diary study. J Sleep Res. 2023 Aug;32(4):e13814.
  16. Cleveland Clinic. Cortisol. Page last reviewed December 10, 2021.
  17. Cleveland Clinic. Oxytocin. Page last reviewed March 27, 2022.
  18. Lastella M, O'Mullan C, Paterson JL, et al. Sex and Sleep: Perceptions of Sex as a Sleep Promoting Behavior in the General Adult Population. Front Public Health. 2019 Mar 4;7:33.
  19. Oesterling CF, Borg C, Juhola E, et al. The influence of sexual activity on sleep: A diary study. J Sleep Res. 2023 Aug;32(4):e13814.
Written by Olivia DeLong.
Medically reviewed by Mark Arredondo, MD.September, 2024
Updated onSeptember, 2026
Written by Olivia DeLong.
Medically reviewed by Mark Arredondo, MD.September, 2024
Updated onSeptember, 2026
AskMDAskMD

Struggling with sleep?

Get instant answers from our AI health assistant

Ask Now

Recommended for you

Follow these steps to get a good night's rest.

How to sleep better in 9 steps
Slideshow

Studies have shown most people have bad sleep habits and don't even know it.

Sleep myths that may be robbing you of a restful night
Video

Anyone can enjoy a peaceful slumber. Here’s how.

6 smart tactics for a good night’s sleep
Article

One-third of Americans aren't routinely getting the sleep they need. Here are seven steps you can take to improve your sleep hygiene.

7 smart things to do before bed
Video

Catch better ZZZs by doing these four things before hitting the hay.

The 5-minute bedtime routine you need to try tonight
Slideshow
AskMDHow can I be more consistent?
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.

ask-mdask-md
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.