To improve my sleep, it is important to wash the day away by taking a shower or sometimes a soak in the tub. Then, I pray. I talk to God about my day and pray for loved ones, for example. Then I hop into bed. My cell phone is charging for the night and I try not to look at it before bedtime. I have deleted all my (former) social media sites, so there is really nothing to lure me away from sleep. I turn on my bedside lamp and grab the book I’m reading and my Bible. I read both before bed. I read at least two pages of the book and then a couple pages of the Bible. Right now, I’m reading the Bible from front to back and am currently in the Book of Psalms. The book I’m reading right now is, On Writing by Stephen King. After reading, I’ll place the books on the end table as well as my reading glasses, turn off the lamp, and hit the sack.
To improve my sleep once the lights are out, I wear a mask to cover my eyes. The one I’ve been using lately has a bit of weight to it, I think there’s sand in the eye pockets of it. It reminds me of a weighted blanket (which also are supposed to help improve sleep; I had one, but gave it away because it was too heavy for me). This weighted mask helps to keep my eyes closed and keeps the light out. I also have room darkening curtains hung in my bedroom. Complete darkness and quiet are essential for me to have a good night’s sleep.
There are times, though, I have all sleep routines and aids in place and can’t fall asleep. Or, I might wake up at some pre-dawn hour and be wide awake. When that happens, I turn on the lamp and read my Bible. Usually reading will do the trick. Sometimes it doesn’t. On the days that reading does not put me back to sleep, I’ll get out of bed and go to the kitchen for a snack. If a snack doesn’t work, I’ll turn on the tv and watch something. When I watch tv, I end up falling back to sleep on the couch.
Other things that can improve my sleep come to mind like exercising, not drinking before bed (I’m blessed if I can get back to sleep after a wee hour pee break-no pun intended), and good general health.
Monica Nelida 
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