Don’ts for Getting Better ZZZs Don’t: 1. Take long naps during the day: Long naps may affect your sleep cycle. If you really need some shut-eye, try to limit it to 30 to 45 minutes. 2. Have heavy meals or starve yourself before bed: Eating a big meal before bed can lead to discomfort, acid reflux, and poor sleep quality. However, going to bed hungry can also make falling asleep difficult. If you happen to have hunger pangs just before bed, choose a light and nourishing snack like low-fat yogurt or a warm glass of milk. 3. Use your bed as an office or an entertainment centre: To cultivate healthy sleep habits, reserve your bed exclusively for sleep and intimate moments. Avoid turning it into an office, gaming hub or home theatre. By associating your bed solely with rest, you’ll find it easier to drift off when you need to. 4. Surf the net or watch TV in bed when you can’t fall sleep: If you’re tossing and turning in bed, resist the temptation to reach for your phone or TV remote. These activities stimulate your mind and hinder sleep. Instead, if you can’t fall asleep after 20 minutes, get up and sit in a chair in the dark to relax. Consider meditating or listening to soothing music to create a serene atmosphere that’s conducive to sleep. 5. Take caffeinated drinks or alcohol close to your bedtime: It is best to avoid caffeine before sleep- sometimes up to 6 hours before- especially if you’re sensitive to its effects. While alcohol may initially make you doze off more quickly, it disrupts sleep quality. This leads to interruptions during the night, leaving you feeling lethargic and groggy upon waking. #cherylw #cherylwsg #cherylwwellness