Q: Is there anything you can do to improve your sleep?

A: In the vast majority of cases, yes. However, many people do not want to follow the suggestions. Each brain is believed to need a specific amount of sleep during a 24-hour period. Studies have discovered many tips for how to get a better sleep. Although sleep is independently linked with longevity, in today’s world, many are not excited about following the tips. Here are a few examples (and more are listed on the Sleep Foundation website):

• Have a regular sleep time, starting preferably 1-2 hours before midnight as sleep before midnight has been found to be more restorative
• Go to bed the same time on weekends as during the week
• Avoid the use of electronics for 1 hour prior to bedtime unless you are using blue-light protective glasses
• Avoid exciting movies or video games just before going to bed to reduce brain stimulation and/or the production of adrenalin
• Sleep in a cool room that is as dark as possible
• Keep all electronics out of the bedroom unless you are on call
• Eat dinner by 6 p.m. so food is out of your stomach by bedtime.