4 Smart Sleep Tricks You Haven’t Tried Before

Sleep Advice From A Nurse

“Sleep is always an issue! I literally sleep and nap whenever I can. Light-blocking blinds and ambient music help when I have to sleep during the day. My sleep is 1,000 times better when I work out at least three times a week. Doing yoga after work whenever I can is also something I find helpful. Many nurses have a mind that is constantly running/multi-tasking/planning. Having more downtime to decompress after work and before sleep is important, too.”
– Audrey St. Louis, RN

Sleep Advice From a Travel Writer

“Getting plenty of exercise and spending time outdoors in bright light is my trick to help regulate my sleep when travelling. You want to be out and about in the morning as much as possible when you’re going east, while spending time outside in the afternoon is best when you’re heading westward. A portable light box can help as well – I like the Litebook Edge because it’s portable and battery operated. Tip: You can find an online calculator to tell you when to use the light box when you’re crossing time zones.”
– Kat Tancock, journalist

Sleep Advice From A Morning-Show Host

“My alarm goes off at 2:30 a.m., so I try to be in bed by 8 p.m. I find it easiest to sleep if I’ve had a good workout in the afternoon. And I like to sneak in a bit of reading before turning out the light and closing the blinds.”
– Annette Hamm, co-host of Morning Live on CHCH in Hamilton

Sleep Advice From A Doctor

“I have a very well-defined sleep routine and practice good sleep hygiene. I’m a huge fan of reading before bed: Every night I read 15 to 20 minutes before going to sleep, whether it’s night or day. I’m also a huge advocate of dark curtains, eye masks and even earplugs when necessary.”
– Dr. Melanie Bechard, resident physician at the hospital for sick children