LIFE

Dear Carol,

You’ve probably answered this before, but how do I get more sleep? I’m always tired.

- Sleep Troubles

Dear Sleep Troubles,

Sleep is delicious and good for you, and I hope you will let yourself get more of it. My main advice is to go to bed earlier. Think of going to bed as your end-of-day reward. Don’t have caffeine in the afternoon or evening (and no afternoon naps either). At bedtime, play calming music and/or take a relaxing bath or shower. Skip the pre-bed scrolling—it will all be there in the morning. Put your phone in airplane mode and leave it as far away from your bed as possible (in another room, ideally). Now brush your teeth, and if you have a cat or dog, let them know it’s bedtime. Tuck yourself in early and maybe even pick up a novel. Summer is an ideal time for pleasure reading. Then, close your eyes and think of three things you’re grateful for. Zzzzzzz.

Carol Weston is the author of 16 books. The first is Girltalk. The latest is Speed of Life, her novel and audiobook about a 14-year-old girl who writes to an advice columnist. Check out carolweston.com and follow her
on Instagram @carolwestonnyc.

Still need advice? Read more Dear Carol here:
🌟 "Dear Carol, I'm struggling with anxious thoughts"
🌟 "Dear Carol, I get really homesick whenever I have sleepovers"
🌟 "Dear Carol, I always have trouble getting to sleep"

We want to hear from you! Go here to submit questions to Carol about every sticky sitch life throws at you.

by GL | 6/12/2024