World Sleep Day 2018: Five simple tips to sleep better at night

New Delhi: World Sleep Day, is an annual event held on the Friday before the March Equinox each year.

Organised by the World Sleep Day Committee of World Sleep Society, it aims to lessen the burden of sleep problems on society through better prevention and management.

This year, World Sleep Day will be held on March 16, 2018, with the theme 'Join the Sleep World, Preserve Your Rhythms to Enjoy Life'.

Sleep is very important for a person's physical health and emotional well-being. Lack of sleep can lead to various illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity as well as depression.

Here are a few simple tips to sleep better at night:

Healthy lifestyle

One should practice a healthy lifestyle such as eating the right foods, exercising and knowing how to manage stress to help prevent sleep problems and disorders.

Things to avoid

Reduce caffeine, nicotine and alcohol intake before bedtime as these can disrupt sleep.

Regular bedtime

Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, like going to bed and waking up at the same time daily, will help you improve your sleep quality.

Avoid afternoon naps

One should avoid afternoon naps as it can cause you to remain awake during the night. If napping is necessary, then restrict your nap to 15 to 20 minutes.

Comfy bed

Apart from keeping your bedroom clean and tidy, make sure that your bed is cozy and spacious enough to let you stretch and turn comfortably. Research has claimed that a good mattress and pillows can contribute to better sleep.

The first World Sleep Day was held on March 14, 2008.