4 Strategies People Use to Get a Better Night’s Sleep

It can be hard to prioritize sleep, especially if you have what seems like a million and one things to do while you’re awake. But getting quality rest is essential for good health. People who get the sleep they need are more likely to feel better and less stressed, get along better with others, have an easier time managing their weight, and may be at a lower risk for chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Unfortunately, more than a third of Americans fall short of the recommended seven hours of sleep or more per night, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you’re one of them, you know what happens next: You might have trouble thinking through complex problems or issues. Dealing with anger, sadness, and stress may be harder, and you’re likely to be more irritable than usual. It’s tougher to take in new information, think clearly, and succeed at work. Since your immune system also suffers from a lack of restorative sleep, you’re more likely to catch a cold or other illness.