Sleep On It: Tips to Better Sleep in the New Year

It seems simple enough. Lie down, put your head on the pillow, close your eyes and go to sleep. For many though, getting a good night’s sleep isn’t quite that easy. If you’ve resolved to get better sleep in 2026 try to:

Set a sleep schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day sets your internal clock and helps you meet a target number of sleep hours. For example, if your goal is to sleep 7 hours each night, go to bed at 11 p.m. and wake at 6 a.m. daily (resist the urge to sleep in on your days off). Set an alarm for a half hour prior to your bedtime to signal that it’s time to start winding down.

Deal with snoring: If snoring is causing you to wake during the night – whether it’s you or your partner – talk with your healthcare provider about ways to combat the problem. It could be as easy as making small changes to your diet or sleep environment. Or it might be a sleep disorder that could be resolved with medical intervention such as a CPAP or other devices. UK King’s Daughters recently implanted its 100^th Inspire device – an innovative, FDA-approved treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.

Have an annual physical: Checkups with your primary care provider can identify health issues that may be interfering with your sleep. This could include medications, orthopedic issues that are causing you pain, or undiagnosed health conditions such as hypertension or high blood sugar. A referral to UK King’s Daughters Sleep Medicine program may be needed.

Exercise more: Regular physical activity naturally makes your more tired. Consider joining a fitness center such as UK King’s Daughters Wellness Center or a local Y.

Make mental health a priority: Worries, prolonged stress, and burnout can keep your mind racing, preventing a restful night’s sleep. Practice techniques, such as journaling, meditation, and deep breathing, to put your mind to rest. If you still need help, talk to your primary care provider or consider meeting with a counselor or mental health professional. UK King’s Daughters Outpatient Behavioral Health program provides a safe and structured environment where you can focus on optimal mental, social, and personal health.