I love sleep. My life has the tendency to fall apart when I’m awake, you know? —Ernest Hemingway

Getting enough sleep is an important part of being healthy. Adequate sleep makes you look and feel better. It helps boost your metabolism and immune function, and helps your memory. The older I get, the more I appreciate a successful slumber. But getting good, restful sleep can often be difficult.

You probably won’t function at your best if you don’t get enough quality sleep. “Losing four hours of sleep is comparable to drinking a six-pack of beer,” says Tom Rath, Author of the New York Times bestselling book, Eat Move Sleep.

Here are some things you can do to improve your sleep:

1. Try organic bedding, mattresses, and even pillows.
2. Unplug any electrical appliances, including alarm clocks, and put them seven feet from your bed, or even move them to another area.
3. Avoid cell phone and computer use at least two hours before bedtime.
4. Stop caffeinated drinks at least eight hours before bedtime.
5. Take a few minutes to meditate, relax, and stretch before you jump into bed.
6. Make sure your bed and pillows are clean and comfortable.

When we don’t sleep well, we’re worthless and tired the next day. Taking prescription drugs to stay awake or go to sleep adds more chemicals to your body and can contribute to lethargy the next day. Sometimes we overthink problems causing our brain to be on a constantly repeating soundtrack. Create a bedtime routine that includes all of the things listed above and sleep well!