What is a common approach to improving sleep hygiene?

The approach of avoiding screens before sleep is highly recommended for improving sleep hygiene. This is because screens emit blue light, which can interfere with the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. Exposure to blue light in the evening can delay the onset of sleep and disrupt the natural circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

By minimizing screen time in the hour or two before bedtime, individuals can create a more conducive environment for sleep. This practice often includes turning off devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, which can help promote relaxation and signal to the body that it is time to wind down.

In contrast, maintaining inconsistent sleep schedules, drinking caffeine before bed, and taking long naps during the day can all negatively impact sleep hygiene by creating irregular sleep patterns, stimulating the body when it should be calming down, and disrupting the ability to fall asleep at night, respectively. These behaviors tend to lead to poor sleep quality and difficulty in achieving restful sleep.