Sleep Hygiene Information

We've all heard about maintaining good hygiene — like adhering to sanitary practices such as brushing your teeth after every meal or using disposable tissues instead of your sleeve. But what is sleep hygiene? According to Michael Thorpy, MD, director of the Sleep-Wake Disorders Center Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, New York, "Sleep hygiene is a variety of different practices that are necessary to have normal, quality nighttime sleep and full daytime alertness." Examples include maintaining a regular sleep and wake pattern seven days a week and spending an appropriate amount of time in bed — not too little or too excessive. Much like your other hygiene practices, sleep hygiene promotes health and prevents various problems and disorders. Are you maintaining good sleep hygiene?