March 3, 2026
12 Tips For Getting A Good Night’s Sleep
According to the CDC:
- Adults between 18 and 60 years of age need at least 7 hours of sleep per night.
- Between the ages of 61 and 64, it's at a minimum of 7 hours, and most, 9 hours.
- Individuals 65 and older need between 7 and 8 hours of sleep.
Setting, and most importantly, sticking to a sleep schedule keeps your circadian rhythm in check. Your circadian rhythm is a biological process that controls what time of day you're most alert, hungry, sleepy or "physically primed."
Specifically, songs with a rhythm of about 60 beats per minute have been shown to slow down the heart rate.
Blue light suppresses your body's release of melatonin, a hormone that helps you feel sleepy. This is not ideal when you’re actively trying to get some sleep, so the Sleep Foundation recommends staying away from electronic devices 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.
For instance, caffeine has a half-life of 4-6 hours, meaning it takes that long for your body to eliminate half of what you consumed.
You'll also want to avoid alcohol if you're trying to get a better night's sleep. Sure, it may help you fall asleep quicker, but it's not just about getting to sleep that matters. It’s also the quality of sleep. According to the Sleep Foundation, alcohol has been linked to poorer sleep quality and duration, so think twice before drinking in the evening.
Ideally, you want to wash your bedding about once a week, but at the very least every two weeks. Additionally, like your wardrobe, it's good to switch up your bedding between seasons. Use heavier sheets and comforters during the winter and cooler, breathable bedding during the summer.
An article by Hopkins Medicine states that people who engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise daily experience immediate benefits for their sleep, including stabilized mood and increased slow-wave (deep) sleep.
A meta-analysis of 17 studies found that taking a shower or bath between 104 and 108 degrees about 1 to 2 hours before bedtime can help someone fall asleep faster and with better quality. Who doesn’t love a nice, warm bath?