
Sleep Hygiene
Healthy Habits for Better Sleep
- Wake up and go to bed at the same time every day, even weekends!
- Create a relaxing, regular bedtime routine. Things you can try are:
- A warm bath
- Listening to calming music
- Aromatherapy
Limit Napping Time Tips
Limit napping to promote better sleep at night, and a gradual return to daily activities. If daytime sleepiness is severe and naps cannot be avoided, ideally naps should be:
Limited to one per day
Less than 30 minutes
Before 3:00 PM
In bed (not on the couch or in front of the TV, etc.)
Sleeping Environment
- Ensure your bedroom is dark, cool and comfortable.
- Eliminate all sources of light in your bedroom while sleeping, or wear a sleep mask.
- Keep your bedroom clean, tidy and quiet.
- Relaxing nature sounds or music can be helpful to block out distracting sounds.
- Avoid screens 2 hours before bedtime.
- Remove electronic equipment from the bedroom, including TVs, computers, and cell phones.
- Activities such as reading, watching TV, using internet, or playing games should take place in another room.
- A digital clock with ‘light up’ numbers in the bedroom is not recommended.
- If you can’t remove the clock, turn it away from the bed. If you wake in the night, try not to look at the clock.

Nutrition, Exercise, and Lifestyle
- Avoid sugar and caffeine for 4-6 hours before bedtime.
- Avoid alcohol close to bedtime. When metabolized, alcohol can produce awakenings or lighter sleep.
- NOTE: Alcohol should be avoided at all times while your brain is healing.
- Avoid heavy meals late in the evening.
- If you are hungry before bed, consider a bedtime snack with protein (e.g., a handful of nuts, a hard-boiled egg, greek yogurt, peanut butter on celery sticks).
- Make sure there is enough magnesium, iron and B vitamins in your diet. Adequate vitamin and mineral intake is important to help the body produce melatonin, which promotes sleep.
- Talk with your doctor about appropriate supplementation.
- Get 30-60 minutes of exercise during the day as tolerated, or as prescribed by your clinical team.
- Regular exercise promotes sleep.
- Avoid exercising within 2 hours before bedtime.
- Expose yourself to natural light during the day.
Learn more about our services. Contact Surrey Neuroplasticity Clinic for more information.