8. Going to bed too early. If you have been in bed for more than 30 minutes and still can’t fall asleep, get up and do something else until you start feeling sleepy again. “Choose a boring activity,” says Evans. “Read an old college textbook or watch the worst movie you can find on TV.”
9. The recommended eight glasses of water. Drink your water, but not at bedtime. The more liquids you sip before bed, the more chances you will have to get up in the middle of the night for a trip to the bathroom.
10. Cigarettes. Avoid smoking late at night. Or better yet, give up the habit. Nicotine is a strong stimulant, much like caffeine.
11. Being overweight. If you are more than twenty pounds overweight and are suffering from sleep-related problems, consult your doctor. You may have a medical condition known as sleep apnea, a disorder in which you actually stop breathing during sleep. People who suffer from sleep apnea do not rest, not matter how many hours they sleep.
12. A too-funky bedroom. Decorate your bedroom so it is conducive to sleep. Think pastel tones, soft fabrics, mood lightning. According to Feng Shui experts, you should place your bed against a wall (never a corner) and avoid clashing colors and materials.
13. A bed that’s too small. Think big. You should be able to stretch all the way across in your bed. If you have the square space, buy a queen size bed. If you have a partner, buy a king.
14. Your favorite sitcom. Keep the bedroom TV-free. If you like to watch TV before bed, do it in the living room, and don’t watch anything that will leave you stressed (like the news) or agitated (a horror film).
15. Wrong pose. Try sleeping on your back --It takes the pressure off your internal organs and helps your body relax better. Never sleep on your stomach, since it crushes your lungs and makes deep breathing basically impossible.
16. Alcohol. Alcohol helps you fall asleep faster but as soon as your body metabolizes it, you will probably end up waking up throughout the night or having nightmares. Avoid late-night drinking, especially when it comes to heavy liquors.