How to Get a Good Night Sleep

Are you getting enough sleep? The Dallas Morning News reports that only one in four of us get the recommended full eight hours of sleep every night.

In addition, one-third of workers say that lack of sleep has affected them on more than 10 working days during the last year. Lower productivity, weight gain and higher mortality are just a few of the repercussions of losing your nightly shut-eye.

Meanwhile, the premium bedding industry and the pharmaceutical companies have both gotten rich providing supposed solutions to the sleep dilemma.

But there are some cheap ways to ensure you get a better night of rest.

• Don't drink caffeinated beverages after 2 p.m.
• Don't have more than one glass of wine, beer or other alcohol.
• Don't discuss money with your significant other just before bedtime.
• Don't place your smart phone by your bed to respond to e-mails.
• Don't watch TV before bedtime.
• Get into bed half an hour early and read a calming book.
• Exercise regularly.

Visit the American Academy of Sleep Medicine at SleepEducation.com for more tips.