Sleep hygiene is looking at environmental and behavioural cues, our habits, feelings and thoughts which optimise our sleep so we can sleep well.
The term was coined in the 1970s to help people with mild to moderate insomnia.
To help our clients sleep well we are looking at different factors in their sleep hygiene and to “clean it up” to improve it so your client can sleep better.
Sleeping well is crucial to our wellbeing and sleep hygiene is there to help.
Sleep Hygiene Education is intended to provide information about lifestyle (diet, exercise, substance use) and environmental factors (light, noise, temperature) that may interfere with or promote better sleep. Sleep hygiene also may include general sleep facilitating recommendations, such as allowing enough time to relax before bedtime, and information about the benefits of maintaining a regular sleep schedule (1).
What are your thoughts about the term “Sleep Hygiene”?
Reference
- Hauri, Paul. “The sleep disorders. Current concepts.” Kalamazoo, MI: Scope Publications, Upjohn (1977).