Our internal body clock sets the circadian rhythm that enables us to go to bed and wake up at about the same time each day. Additionally, there are certain steps that can be taken to ensure an adequate and fitful sleep each night. Such practices and steps that may be observed during the day and night are grouped together as sleep hygiene, which includes going to bed on time.

Children must have firm rules set for bedtime and their consistent adherence to the same must be ensured. The initial period (a few days) may require determination and strict monitoring by the parents, but once a routine is established, children usually adapt to and follow the new sleep routine.

However, how do you ensure that you go to bed on time each day? You may have planned on a certain specific bedtime when you would turn off the lights. But, you often find yourself overshooting that time and staying awake, dealing with some issue on the home or office front, and can't sleep at night. This behavior can lead to sleep deprivation and insomnia. The National Sleep Foundation advises that we “stick to the same bedtime and wake-up time, even on the weekends.” Maintaining this sleep schedule can ensure that we have healthy sleep habits and maintain quality sleep in our lives.

The following sleeping tips may be helpful for getting to bed on time and learning how to sleep better:

• Avoid smoking or drinking coffee, caffeinated drinks, and alcohol many hours (4-6 hours) before the desired bedtime. Stimulants, like caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, can disrupt sleep quality and cause you to increasingly wake up, as per the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
• Complete those tiny little chores that need to be done well before you sleep and prepare yourself mentally to go to bed.
• Establish a ritual of small activities (like reading in bed, or removing your contact lenses) before bedtime and repeat that activity sequence each night prior to bedtime.
• Refrain from using electronics at least 30-60 minutes before the desired bedtime.
• Try and spend the last 60 minutes before bedtime doing calming activities such as listening to light music and light reading.
• Just like for children, modifying one's habits and adapting to newly established bedtime rules may take time. It may be challenging in the beginning and may take you many nights to discipline yourself, but patience and persistence will help in succeeding.