We spend a lot of time thinking about how to get a good night sleep.  Over the years, we have looked at lots of different tips and strategies that can help you get the sleep you need.  This week we decided to do a best of the best list of our Top 7 strategies for getting a good night sleep pulled from previous posts.  Here are the top 7 things you can do to make sure you are getting a great night sleep every night.

1.     Don’t Take Your Troubles to Bed with You

Many experts consider stress and anxiety the primary cause of most short-term sleep problems.  From worrying about our jobs to concerns about the economy, a mind filled with problems has trouble shutting down and settling into sleep.

From 4 Mistakes You Might Be Making that are Costing You Sleep, January 2012

2.     Draw Better Boundaries

In today’s world, many of us have trouble drawing the line between work and life.  Our work follows us wherever we go.  Make the boundary between your work and your life more distinct to help get a better night’s sleep.

From 6 Ways that Managing Stress Can Help You Sleep, March 2012

3.     Exercise

Exercise can often seem like the magic cure that promises to heal whatever is ailing you.  But when it comes to sleep, there research is clear, exercise equals better sleep.

From 3 Natural Ways to Get a Good Night Sleep, June 2011

4.     Create a Sleep Sanctuary

Although bedrooms were originally small and scarce and reserved for sleeping, our modern sleep sanctuaries have been annexed for a whole host of other activities.  Save your bedroom for sleeping and sex and you ensure you get more sleep in the long run.

From 7 Steps to a Good Night Sleep, July 2011

5.     Take Your Temperature

One thing that can impede almost anyone’s sleep is a sleep environment that is the wrong temperature.  While some people like it warmer and others prefer it chilly, most people won’t get a good night sleep if it is warmer than 75 degrees or colder than 50.

From 10 Sleep Tips for Travelers, September 2011

6.     Have a Drink

Just make sure the drink is water.  Dehydration can make you feel fatigued and sap your energy.  Make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day to remain hydrated.

From 5 Tips for Fighting Fatigue, July 2012

7.     Watch What You Eat

To eat for a good night sleep, choose foods that are high in vitamin B like walnuts and whole grains.  Skip the snack foods and keep the cookies in the jar, opting instead for a banana or a hardboiled egg.  As a bonus, most foods that help you sleep are also healthy enough to also help you lose weight so you may be able to watch your weight one way and win on both fronts!

From Get a Good Night Sleep, Naturally, August 2012