Week 6: Maintain Healthy Sleep Habits

Others may notice you have more energy during the day. They may know it is because you are sleeping better and changing other lifestyle factors. As with any personal change, how much you talk about it is up to you.

When you talk about changes you have made, use “I messages.” An “I message” starts with “I” and expresses a feeling.

Examples:

•  I think dimming the lights before bed helped me to be more ready for sleep.

•  I decided to improve my sleep habits so I could be a safer driver.

Avoid using the word “you” to tell someone else what will work for him or her. Avoid telling someone else why he or she should improve their sleep. This can lead to defensive and negative feelings, even if you are trying to help.

What worked for you may not work for someone else. Everyone needs to find what works for him or her. If someone has experienced sleep problems for more than three weeks, it is important for him or her to seek a doctor’s advice.

If someone you care about is also working to improve their sleep, you can help in the following ways:

•  Model healthy lifestyle behaviors like eating fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly.

•  Help with driving, childcare, chores, etc.

•  Practice healthy ways to manage stress.

•  Plan times together to be physically active. Go for a walk outside or at a mall.

•  Plan times together to relax. Picnic at the park, watch a movie together, or just sit and talk about your day.