I’m not sleeping well with all that’s going on. I’m staying up late watching or reading the news and having trouble sleeping. How can I improve my sleep?
It’s very important to be rested for general health and immune function.
Good sleep helps us respond better to stress. A situation where we are going out less often, or not all, is actually a great opportunity to work on our sleep habits as part of building a normal daily routine in the midst of an abnormal situation. Here are some hints:
- Avoid reading the news right before bed. Use that time to connect with friends and family by phone, read a book, listen to a story (Audible, Podcasts, etc.) Try out a meditation app, which often have free versions including modules to help with sleep.
- Follow regular sleep hygiene practices by sticking to a regular bedtime schedule that permits 7-8 hours of sleep, making sure your bedroom is dark and cool at night, avoiding screens before bedtime and developing a regular bedtime routine. Read this article with more details about good sleep.
Here are some additional articles on COVID-19 that you may find helpful: