| DAY 1 OF 12 Sleep Does a Body Good If you're not getting enough sleep at night, you're not alone. More than one-third of adults sleep less than 6 hours a night (1). Quality sleep doesn't just feel good, it's good for you, too. In fact, it's just as vital as eating a balanced diet and drinking enough water. If you're looking for better sleep, the secret often lies in what you're doing before you even hit the sheets. This is called sleep hygiene. For starters, researchers state that we're pretty prone to something called bedtime procrastination (2). Even when we hope to hit the hay a little earlier, not having enough time to relax after school or work, watching Netflix in bed, and drinking a late night cocktail can all throw healthy sleep habits off course. Late night meals, afternoon naps, and having emotional conversations before bedtime can also play a role. Of course, each person's sleep habits vary. One of the best ways to understand your patterns is to begin taking notes. For today's challenge: Start a sleep journal to track your sleep habits. You can use an old-fashioned notebook or opt for a sleep app. Fitness trackers can also help record your sleep. Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to include when you go to bed and when you wake up. You can add anything else you'd like to track, like how long it takes you to fall asleep, how often you wake up during the night, and how you feel when you wake up. As you continue through the challenge, your journal can help you keep track of what works best for you. In the meantime, when you're tossing and turning, try meditating, drinking a cup of noncaffeinated tea, or listening to some calming music. You might also try some stress-reduction techniques like a breathing exercise. We'll be back tomorrow to talk about how light can help you sleep better. The Healthline Team | 
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