Improving your sleep can feel overwhelming—there are so many habits to change, routines to build, and obstacles to overcome. That’s where SMART goals come in. Using this proven goal-setting framework can turn vague intentions like “I want to sleep better” into clear, actionable steps that lead to real results.
Here’s how you can use SMART goals to transform your sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
Have you ever watched your peacefully sleeping baby suddenly fling their arms out wide, then pull them back in with a jerk—only to wake themselves up in the process? That’s the startle reflex, a completely normal part of infancy that often disrupts sleep, leaving both babies and parents frustrated and exhausted.
But what exactly is the startle reflex, and what can you do about it? Let’s explore the science behind it, why it happens, and how you can help your baby sleep more soundly despite it.
We all know that a good night’s sleep helps us feel refreshed and ready to take on the day. But did you know that how well you sleep can also influence how you see the world? Sleep doesn’t just affect your energy levels—it plays a key role in shaping your mindset, including whether you tend toward optimism, pessimism, or even cynicism.
Let’s explore how sleep impacts these outlooks and what that means for your mental health and relationships.
Sleeping too little is often discussed, but what about oversleeping—consistently sleeping more than 9 or 10 hours per night? While it might seem like a luxury to sleep in or binge on extra hours of rest, oversleeping can sometimes signal underlying health issues or disrupt your overall well-being.
If you find yourself frequently sleeping longer than intended and still feeling tired or sluggish, it’s worth exploring the causes of oversleeping and what it might mean for your body and mind.
Helping a baby fall asleep—and stay asleep—can feel like one of the biggest challenges of early parenthood. But before babies can drift into dreamland, they first need to feel relaxed, calm, and safe. Creating a soothing, stress-free environment is key to promoting better sleep, and it begins with encouraging relaxation throughout the day and especially before bedtime.
Here’s how to help your baby relax naturally, so they can fall asleep more easily and sleep more soundly.
Sharing a dorm or apartment room in college can be a rewarding experience—new friendships, shared memories, and the excitement of independence. But when it comes to sleep, roommates often have very different habits, preferences, and schedules. Negotiating these differences early on is key to avoiding frustration, resentment, and sleepless nights.
If you and your roommate struggle to align your sleep routines, here are some practical tips to help you find a balance that respects both your needs and keeps the peace.
In a world that moves at a relentless pace, the quiet moments before sleep offer a precious opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect—not just with yourself, but with something greater. For many, prayer before bed is a cherished ritual that brings calm, comfort, and clarity as the day winds down.
Whether you practice formal religious prayer or simple mindful reflection, this evening habit can transform your sleep routine and promote deeper rest. Here’s why prayer before bed matters and how you can create your own meaningful nighttime practice.
Waking up tired, groggy, and unrefreshed can be frustrating—especially when you’ve just had what seemed like a full night’s sleep. Morning fatigue affects millions of people and can make starting the day feel like a struggle.
If you find yourself hitting snooze multiple times or dragging through your morning routine, understanding the root causes of morning fatigue is the first step toward reclaiming your energy and focus.
One of the classic debates among new parents is whether to rock a baby to sleep or to let them learn to fall asleep on their own. Both approaches have passionate supporters—and for good reason. Understanding the benefits and potential downsides of each can help you find the best fit for your family and baby’s temperament.
Here’s a balanced look at rocking vs. self-soothing to help you decide how to approach those precious bedtime moments.
In our busy, always-on world, getting more sleep can feel impossible. Yet, the quality of your sleep—the efficiency with which you fall asleep and stay asleep—often matters more than the total number of hours spent in bed. This is where efficient sleep comes in.
Efficient sleep means you spend most of your time in bed actually sleeping, rather than tossing, turning, or waking up frequently. Improving your sleep efficiency can lead to better rest, improved mood, sharper focus, and overall better health—even if you don’t increase your total sleep time.
Let’s explore what efficient sleep is, why it matters, and how you can improve it.