It’s that time of year again where millions of people are setting New Year’s Resolutions in an effort to accomplish a personal goal or improve their life. This year, we challenge everyone in your family to add a few resolutions for better sleep, which has countless benefits to improve your overall health.

Instead of making a blanket resolution to get more sleep, try making these five resolutions, which may help address the underlying culprit behind our lack of sleep.

1. I promise to get the recommended amount of sleep for my age.
2. I promise to turn off all electronic devices 1-2 hours before sleep.
3. I promise to avoid caffeinated beverages and foods from late afternoon until bedtime.
4. I promise to include light exercise in the late afternoon to help me to sleep better at night.
5. I promise to find ways to relax prior to getting in the bed.

Sleeping problems affect the entire family.  Use these resolutions for you and your children so that everyone can start the New Year with their best foot forward!

Twas the night before Christmas
When all through the home
All the sons and the daughters
Were starting to roam

Bedtime was at seven
Their eyes were not droopy
They said they weren’t tired
But they acted quite loopy

Mom and dad were so sleepy
Their bed was a dream
They hadn’t slept in years
Or so it would seem

The kids they would snore
And wake up through the night
The little ones kicked in their sleep
And would scream loud and fight

The parents tried everything
They knew not what to do
They were sad and defeated
And feeling quite blue

Santa heard them that night
When he paid them a visit
He left them a card
With instructions explicit

“Go see a sleep specialist”
Said the card plain as day
“They may need a sleep study
Insurance will pay”

Your children will thank you
They will do better in school
They will be so much happier
And will follow the rules

For sleep is not optional
They need it to grow
This is my gift to your family
So now, you will know

The parents were hopeful
No more yawning all day
Their children would sleep
Through the night, all the way

And we heard Santa exclaim
As he drove out of sight
“Happy sleeping to all!
And to all, a good night!”