Sleep hygiene

Sleep hygiene is a set of practices and changes in behavior that make it easier to get restful sleep. Nathaniel Kleitman first used the term, in 1939. A book by psychologist Peter Hauri introduced the concept within the context of modern sleep medicine.[1]: Script error: The function "hyphen2dash" does not exist. [2] Sleep hygiene was developed as a method to help people with mild to moderate insomnia.

Sleep hygiene recommendations include setting up a sleep schedule, using naps with care, not exercising physically or mentally too close to bedtime, reducing stress, reducing nighttime activity, and limiting bed use if not sleeping, to name a few. Other recommendations include avoiding alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and other stimulants in the hours before bedtime, and having a peaceful, comfortable and dark sleep environment.[3][4][5]

Doctors study the sleep hygiene of people who present with insomnia and other conditions, such as depression, and offer recommendations based on the assessment.

Sleep Hygiene Media

References

  1. de Biase et al. Sleep Hygiene. Chapter 27 in Sleepiness and human impact assessment. Eds. Garborino LN et al. Springer Milan, 2014. ISBN 978-88-470-5388-5
  2. Gigli, Gian Luigi. Should the definition of "sleep hygiene" be antedated of a century? A historical note based on an old book by Paolo Mantegazza, rediscovered. Neurological Sciences 34 (5) (30 June 2012). p. 755–60. doi:10.1007/s10072-012-1140-8.
  3. Sleep/Wake Lifestyle Modifications: Sleep Hygiene (in en). Therapy in Sleep Medicine (1 January 2012). p. 151–160. doi:10.1016/B978-1-4377-1703-7.10011-8.
  4. Luyster, Faith S.. Sleep: A Health Imperative. Sleep 35 (6) (June 1, 2012). p. 727–734. doi:10.5665/sleep.1846.
  5. Driver, Helen S.. Exercise and sleep. Sleep Medicine Reviews 4 (4) (August 2000). p. 387–402. doi:10.1053/smrv.2000.0110.