Sleeping Better

NPR - People who have a fear of not being able to sleep are experiencing a phenomenon called “sleep anxiety,” which, if it is left untreated, can prevent people from getting any shut-eye. One of the most effective ways to overcome this form of anxiety is through cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). But you don’t need the official program to benefit from CBT-I. Whether you're dealing with some sleep stress or simply struggling with an off-night from time to time, these CBT-I practices can help:

• Wake up at the same time every day, which can help your body know when it’s time to get sleepy.
• Pick a time to transition from daytime activities to nighttime activities in an effort to focus on winding down for bed earlier. 
• If stress comes before bedtime, put some dedicated “worry time” on your calendar during daylight hours. You could use that time to write out what’s bothering you so you can relax later.