Stop Counting Sheep

5 Bad Sleep Habits to Put to Bed

(and 5 Surefire Ways to Snooze)

More than 60% of the women polled in a 2007 survey by the National Sleep

Foundation said they have trouble sleeping three or more times a week, and

33% reported trouble sleeping every single night. Furthermore, the survey reported

that 80% of these sleep-deprived women say they simply push on with their daily

activities, working full-time jobs, and juggling kids and other responsibilities.

Over the long haul, this massive sleep deficit has a big impact on health and well-

being, not to mention relationships with spouses, children, family and friends.

“We need our sleep—to recharge from the stresses of the day, to stay mentally

and physically sharp, and even to keep our germ-fighting immune systems in

peak condition,” says Ron Hunninghake, M.D., medical director at the Bright Spot

for Health clinic in Wichita, Kan.

Getting enough sleep isn’t just a matter of conking out. It boils down to three

PHOTO: BRIGI T TE SPORRER/ZEFA/CORBIS

issues: falling asleep quickly, getting sufficient restful sleep and waking up

refreshed. Here, we put five bad sleep habits to bed and show you what researchers

say are the soundest ways to get your zzzs.

BY JACK CHALLEM