We humans spend about one-third of our lives asleep. This may sound like a lot of time, but it is not wasted.
Sleep helps us stay healthy, and it also helps our brains remember. Our brains need good sleep to remember what we do and learn during the other two-thirds of our lives when we are awake.
Besides keeping us healthy, some new research shows that a good night’s sleep helps make us more intelligent.
However, the brain forgets unimportant details. This forgetting is important. It makes space for new learning and new memories.
Here are six suggestions for getting a good night’s sleep:
1. Stay on schedule.
2. Don’t go to bed hungry or stuffed. And avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before bed.
3. Create a calm, restful sleep environment. Make your room as cool, quiet and dark as possible.
4. Limit daytime naps.
5. Exercise during the day.
6. Manage your worries. Try to calm any worries or concerns you might have before going to bed.
