Sleep hygiene

Sleep hygiene can be defined as "all behavioural and environmental factors that precede sleep and may interfere with sleep." It is the practice of following guidelines, usually simple and sensible ones, in an attempt to ensure more restful, effective sleep which can promote daytime alertness and help treat or avoid certain kinds of sleep disorders. Trouble sleeping and daytime sleepiness can be indications of poor sleep hygiene. The International Classification of Sleep Disorders-Revised (ICSD-R) states on page 75:

The importance of assessing the contribution of inadequate sleep hygiene in maintaining a preexisting sleep disturbance cannot be overemphasized.

Doctors and clinics which advise sleep hygiene to patients and families have their own lists of suggestions which may include advice about timing of sleep and food intake in relationship to it, sleeping environment etc. Which items are suggested for which patients depend on knowledge of the individual situation; the counseling can be considered a form of patient education. Sleep hygiene combines advice about homeostatic, adaptive and circadian aspects of sleep control, how to avoid sleep deprivation, and how to respond to unwanted awakenings from sleep if these occur.

The second edition of the ICSD (2005) states:

The sleep disruptive effects of poor sleep hygiene are often obvious to others, but the patients show little insight into this fact,

and lists five areas of concern. They involve sleep scheduling, use of stimulants, stimulating or upsetting activities too close to bedtime, frequent use of the bed for activities other than sleep and an uncomfortable sleeping environment.