All kidding aside, you can sleep better using good habits

Physicians say adults should imitate children when it comes to getting enough rest.

“Children go to bed when they’re tired,” says Dr. Nilesh Dave, medical director of the Sleep and Breathing Disorders Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Just like children don’t get in the bed to play, adults shouldn’t read, work, watch television or use their laptop while in bed, Dr. Dave says.

“The bed should only be used for two things: sleep and sex,” he says.

Bad bedtime habits could lead to insomnia, which has been associated with depression, anxiety, chronic pain and high blood pressure. Drowsiness from insomnia can affect concentration, work performance, quality of life and driving alertness.

Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/sleep to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in sleep and breathing disorders.

Media Contact: LaKisha Ladson

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