7 things to stop doing before bed

Simple habits might be harming your sleep without you even realising

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As a GP, I often get asked if I have anything in my 'toolbox' for better sleep.

If you've ever asked this question, you may have felt frustrated if your GP has proceeded to give you advice on 'sleep hygiene'. While it may not be the quick fix you were hoping for, it's grounded in science, and for mild sleep issues, it can certainly help. Here's what I tell my patients to avoid before bed.

1 USING SCREENS The blue light from phones, tablets and TVs suppresses melatonin (a hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycles), making it harder to get to sleep. Put your digital devices and TVs away at least one hour before you are hoping to drift off.

2 DRINKING CAFFEINE OR ALCOHOL