Get Better Sleep By Avoiding These Things Before Bed | HuffPost

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Surprising Reasons You Can't Fall Asleep At Night

Arti Patel— The Huffington Post Canada

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You're tossing and turning, wired, worried or just can't sleep to get yourself tucked into bed at a decent hour.

Sleep is crucial, as we all know, for our day-to-day function in everything we do. But for some of us, getting a good night's sleep can be a burden and can feel even more exhausting the next day. The video above by Buzz60 goes into a few common things we may all be doing that may interfere with our rest.

Eating late-night foods, drinking coffee or heavy sugar consumption before bed might keep you awake, but some of these other reasons in the video are a lot more surprising. For example, if you tend to cuddle with your pet in bed, you may want to reconsider.

But waking up with a well-rested body can also mean preparing for it the night before. Unless you have a sleeping disorder like insomnia or sleepwalking (which you should talk to a health expert about), stretching before bed may help your muscles relax, and help you sleep better.

Watch the video above to find out how to take back your snoozing time.

Also on HuffPost

How To Sleep Better In 2015

Sleep On Your Side(01 of17)

Most of us don't stay in one position during the night, but it turns out (according to several sleep surveys), most people prefer sleeping on their sides. If you're pregnant, doctors recommend sleeping on your left side, to "improve circulation to the heart, which benefits both mom and baby," according to Greatist. (credit:Karen Moskowitz via Getty Images)

Get Comfy(02 of17)

Getting a good night's sleep is also about being comfortable from head to toe. While some prefer sleeping in the nude (do your thing), a recent survey by mattress company Dormeo Canada found that 85 per cent of survey respondents prefer sleeping in cotton. (credit:Issaurinko via Getty Images)

Turn Off Your Electronics(03 of17)

Glowing screens on your cell phone, televisions or computers can interfere with the body’s ability to wind down. Before you get ready for bed, turn it off! (credit:Rolf Brenner via Getty Images)

Watch Your Cup(04 of17)

For some, caffeine consumption after lunch can keep them up during the night. Avoid drinking coffee, sugary drinks, chocolate milk, certain teas, and some vitamin drinks before bed and stick to water, herbal tea and other decaffeinated drinks. (credit:Nick Clements via Getty Images)

Leave The Curtains Open(05 of17)

This may not be ideal for those early winter mornings during weekdays, but in general, sleep with your shades open to get that early exposure to sun — at least you will be forced to open your eyes. (credit:Bambu Productions via Getty Images)

Get Your H2O Throughout The Day(06 of17)

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration closer to bedtime. For some, dehydration may lead to headaches or body aches, which ultimately disturbs your sleep. (credit:PM Images via Getty Images)

Stick To A Bedtime Routine(07 of17)

There's a reason doctors will tell you to stick to a sleep schedule: sleeping around the same time every day will keep your body's circadian rhythm in sync. Staying out late, for example, can confuse your body's circadian rhythm. (credit:yipchoonwai via Getty Images)

Exercise!(08 of17)

Exercise has many benefits for our well-being, but some studies suggest you can sleep around 45 minutes more every night if you squeeze a physical activity in your day. (credit:Michael Blann via Getty Images)

Don't Take Naps(09 of17)

This may be a heart-breaker, but if you want to keep your sleep schedule in routine, avoid taking naps at random times during the day — unless of course, you really, really, need it. (credit:ONOKY - Eric Audras via Getty Images)

Have A Daily Habit Before Bed(10 of17)

Whatever it is — reading, meditating, writing, praying or taking a bath — keeping a daily habit of repetition can cue your body that it's time for bed. A National Sleep Foundation poll indicates that reading as a part of the bedtime routine is associated with falling asleep faster and sleeping better. (credit:Peter Dressel via Getty Images)

Take A Cold Shower(11 of17)

Before heading to bed, have a cool bath or shower to help lower your body temperature. Dormeo's surveys suggested 32 per cent of Canadians found overheating their biggest bedtime frustration. And if you're the kind of person who is always cold, you may benefit from a hot shower instead. (credit:by Dornveek Markkstyrn via Getty Images)

Think Cotton(12 of17)

Just like your PJs, treat yourself to natural cotton fibre sheets. As you sweat at night, natural fibre sheets breathe and absorb moisture. (credit:Tetra Images via Getty Images)

Don't Include Your Phone In Your Sleeping Routine(13 of17)

It may be tempting to check your email before bed and right when you wake up, but avoid distractions by putting your phone away right before bed. Those emails aren't going anywhere. (credit:Shioguchi via Getty Images)

Bed Hygiene Is Also Important(14 of17)

Just like your sheets and blankets, make sure your mattress is clean by using a washable cover. This will keep your mattress free from dust mites and other allergens. (credit:Karam Miri via Getty Images)

Try To Sleep Earlier(15 of17)

If you're starting a new job or if the kids are going to back school, adjust your sleeping patterns by getting to bed earlier. And start with baby steps: try to get to sleep 15 minutes earlier before you attempt an hour. (credit:Quiet Noise Creative via Getty Images)

Don't Bring Work To Bed(16 of17)

As annoying as it is waking up in a pool of your own drool on your keyboard, falling asleep while working — or sleeping late because of it — can really put a dent in your healthy sleeping routine. Leave work off the bed! (credit:Sam Diephuis via Getty Images)

Take Notes(17 of17)

Keep a notebook beside your bed and write down your "to-do" list before bedtime. This will prevent you from worrying about your list as you sleep, and you'll also have a list to work with as soon as you wake up. (credit:Tetra Images via Getty Images)

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