Waking up from a poor sleep can make anybody a bit of a grump. On the flip side, there’s nothing   better than having a peaceful night’s rest thanks to good sleep habits. While there's a lot of talk about how many hours of sleep we need to feel well-rested, experts recommend we focus on sleep quality just as much as quantity. Here are five tips from AAMI to help you enjoy the benefits of sleep.

1: Start a relaxing routine

Life is busy. Creating a routine around bedtime can maximise good sleep habits while minimalizing poor sleep hygiene. Try allocating 10 minutes each night to your favourite relaxing activity before hitting the hay. It could be as simple as:

• listening to calming music
• having a cup of tea, and
• spending a few minutes meditating.

Improving your sleep quality can really be that simple.

2: Eat early

Midnight snacking can be a reason for poor sleep. Even though you don't notice it, digesting your food keeps your body busy. Plus, you’re fighting against your natural circadian rhythm. The best way to ensure a restful sleep is to avoid heavy meals in the two hours before going to bed. What you eat may make a difference, too – a small, lighter meal at night can actually improve sleep quality.

3: Keep a diary

Ever noticed that as soon as your head touches the pillow, your to-do list runs endlessly through your mind? Try strengthening your sleep habits by keeping a diary and spending a few minutes before you doze off writing down anything on your mind.

Keep it handy in case you wake up in the night. This way, you can quickly jot whatever crosses your mind so you can remember it the next day – leaving you ready to reap the benefits of sleep.

4: Fit in exercise

Exercise goes beyond improving just your physical health; it's proven to help improve sleep quality, too. A study of more than 2600 men and women in the US found those who worked out for 150 minutes a week benefited from a better sleep. Which means squeezing in a brisk 30-minute walk each day might be just what you need to sleep soundly. Plus, exercise is also excellent for your mental health.

5: Put yourself to bed

Finally, remember that good sleep habits are one of the most important ingredients for a healthy life. Just as we make time for exercise and preparing healthy meals, making time for improving sleep quality is also vital.

It may sound silly, but putting yourself to bed at a reasonable hour is as essential for adults as it is for children. To get a good night’s sleep that’ll have you feeling refreshed, set a bedtime and try to stick to it as often as possible.