Get a Good Night Sleep in this Winter

The days are short, the temperatures cold and it's hard to get out of bed in the morning. But are you getting the kind of sleep you need?

No matter where you live, taking control of your sleep environment is important. Here are few sleep tips to help add more hours of rest to your schedule all year round.

Five Tips to Control Your Sleep Environment:

# Determine your sleep requirement.

Determining the amount of sleep you need each night to be fully alert the next day is a big step towards sleep environment control. You should try to get at least your minimum sleep requirement each night, if not more. Most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night.

# Reduce noise.

Keeping your bedroom noise level at a minimum creates an ideal, relaxed sleep environment. Consider removing your television and/or radio from the bedroom.

# Create a comfortable bed.

Evaluating your mattress is important -- is it giving you the support and comfort you need to get a good night’s sleep?

# Engage in pre-bedtime relaxation.

Engaging in a relaxing, non-alerting activity at bedtime such as reading or listening to music will help you sleep better. Avoid activities that are mentally and physically stimulating that might keep you awake.

# Develop a sleep ritual.

Keeping the same routine each night just before bed signals your body to settle down for the night. Set a regular schedule that takes you from dusk to dawn.