7 Ways to Actually Get 8 Hours of Sleep

By Food & Wine
Updated April 11, 2016
Credit: © NBC
You’re soooo tired. But you have all those emails to read and House of Cards to finish and Instagram to scroll through and yikes, you just can’t seem to turn out the lights. Here, seven easy ways to ensure a good night’s sleep tonight.This piece originally appeared on PureWow.
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Set Two Bedtimes

Credit: © HBO

The first is to cue your body it’s time to wind down (turn off your email! wash your face!). The second is for actual lights out.

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Squeeze in a Workout

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Sure, every night your body is mentally exhausted, but what about physically? Fitting in a yoga class or a run or even a 20-minute walk on your lunch break will help your body feel like it’s earned that bedtime routine.

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Jot Down Nagging Thoughts

Credit: © HBO

Ugh, your busy brain. (Does your presentation have typos? What will you wear to work? Or pack for lunch? Gah!) By stashing a notebook by your bed, you can take a minute before bedtime to write down any questions or concerns swimming around your head. And then--some solutions, too. You’ll rest much easier knowing you have a list and an action plan.

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Scope Out Any Light Leaks

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It’s dark right now, but come morning, the sun will be streaming in from openings in the curtains you failed to tightly close. Do a quick check before you hit the hay. Trust us, it’s worth the extra 20 seconds it takes.

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Charge Your Phone Somewhere Else

Credit: © CW

Yay! You’re just about to finally doze off, but whoops, what’s that blue light flashing in the corner over there? Plugging in your phone in another room removes the risk of digital interruptions…and the temptation to pass sleepless time on Facebook. (Just maybe invest in a real alarm clock.)

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Say No to Super Late Nightcaps

Credit: © AMC

Sure, wine makes you relaxed and sleepy now, but after it metabolizes in your system (about three to four hours later), it works as a stimulant that wakes you up. A better plan: Sip a glass of milk to chill out before bed.

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Listen to a Book On Tape

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Not a new one, but a story you already know. The goal is to find something that distracts your mind, but doesn’t engage it, so you can blissfully drift off to sleep.

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