For Better Sleep, Sleep Without a Cell Phone

For the past two weeks, I've been sleeping without a cell phone in my bedroom. The results have been amazing.

There's no temptation to browse the Internet or App Store when I'm having trouble falling asleep. Instead, I read a good book until my eyes get tired. The no phone policy also prohibits me from checking my phone first thing in the morning. This habit was especially toxic, as it put me on the social grid before I even had time to center myself at the start of a new day.

If you want to make this change in your life, it's incredibly easy:

1) Move your charger outside your bedroom.
I keep mine in the kitchen, a floor away from where I sleep.

2) An hour before bedtime, plug your phone in and turn it off.
I repeat: turn off your phone! This step is surprisingly important. Knowing your phone is turned off will prevent you from checking your phone as you wind down for sleep. It'll also let callers know that you're not screening their calls, since your phone will send them straight to voicemail. In short, you'll be off the hook.

3) Keep a book by your night stand.
If your mind is restless at night, try reading for 10 minutes before getting up for a midnight snack (or midnight email). It'll help put you to sleep.

4) Get a good old fashioned alarm clock.
If you rely on your phone's alarm to wake you, you'll want to switch to a traditional alarm clock. Most people have one lying around. I use a Philips Wake Up light, which gradually increases its light and volume to provide a gentle wake up.

If you have trouble getting to sleep at night, try this method for two weeks. It could become a lifelong habit.

Good luck, and sleep well.