It’s possible you have a sleep disorder. Try these tips, but if they don’t work you may want to consult a professional:

• Be sure to avoid caffeine four to six hours before bed time
• Avoid smoking close to bedtime or during the night – better yet, give up completely
• Do not drink any beverage that may have a depressant effect within four to six hours of bedtime
• While a light snack before bedtime can help promote sound sleep, avoid large meals
• Avoid strenuous exercise within six hours of bedtime
• Minimise extremes in temperature, lighting and noise in your bedroom
• Try to sleep when you are drowsy
• If you can’t sleep, leave your bedroom and engage in quiet activity somewhere else. Do not permit yourself to sleep outside the bedroom and only return when you are sleepy. Repeat this process as often as necessary throughout the night
• Maintain a regular sleep routine with regular bedtime and waking times, even on days off work or on weekends
• Avoid napping during the day. If daytime sleepiness becomes overwhelming, limit nap time to a single nap of less than one hour no later than 3pm

Our advisors are the sleep hygiene experts at the American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology. For more information, call 02 666 4866 or visit www.americancenteruae.com.