Hack Your Bedtime

Student exhaustion is so common that is seems normal, but it is not. Most Americans are sleep deprived, and students are the most tired of all. There are simple "life hacks" -- cheap and even free. Students and their families can all benefit from these:

Reduce Light Pollution

1. Computers: Download GetFlux to all household computers (Windows and Apple), or Chromebook in order to reduce blue-light disruption of your normal sleep cycles. 
   
2. Install TwilightApp on mobile devices.
   
3. Make the room as dark as possible, and try a sleep mask.
   

Timing is Everything

1. Set an alarm to remind you when to go to SLEEP, as well as when to wake.
   
2. Silence the technology with a free DoNotDisturb app for Android or this feature for Apple. 
   
3. Sleep Cycle (iPhone and Android) help you wake up when your body is ready. $3-6, and worth it.
   

Make a Sleeping Nest

1. Wear socks to bed;
   
2. Home must be quiet. If not, consider earplugs at bedtime.
   
3. Try a white noise app (or this one) 
4. If someone snores, track their sleep sounds to detect dangerous apnea.