Meaning
Healthy sleep habits
Key step
Regular schedule
Avoid
Late screens, caffeine
Helps
Rest and health
Overview
Sleep hygiene means the habits and routines that support good sleep. Small, steady changes often make a real difference to how well you rest.
Helpful steps include a regular sleep schedule, a dark and quiet room, and limiting screens, caffeine and alcohol before bed. Good sleep also supports your general and oral health.
What to know
- Keep regular sleep and wake times
- Make the bedroom dark, quiet and cool
- Limit screens before bed
- Cut caffeine and alcohol in the evening
- Wind down with a calm routine
Common questions
What is the simplest change to make?
Going to bed and waking at similar times each day helps most people.
Why limit screens at night?
Screen light and stimulation can make it harder to fall asleep.
Does alcohol help sleep?
It may make you drowsy but often leads to broken, poorer sleep.
How does sleep affect my mouth?
Poor sleep can worsen clenching and affect overall health.
What if good habits do not help?
If sleep stays poor, speak with your doctor.
Related topics
Sleep-disordered breathing (adults)
Breathing that is disturbed during sleep, from snoring to sleep apnoea.
Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnoea
A custom mouth device that holds the jaw forward to ease mild sleep apnoea.
Snoring in children
Frequent loud snoring in a child can be worth having checked.
Bruxism (grinding & clenching)
Grinding or clenching your teeth, often during sleep and without knowing.
Dr Rick Iskandar · Reviewed June 2026