Be smart about sleep

Getting enough sleep is important. A poor night's sleep can trigger migraines. Migraines also may keep you from falling asleep. Or the pain may wake you up at night.

Use these tips to help you sleep better.

• Aim for regular sleep hours. As much as your schedule allows, try to go to bed and get up around the same time every day, even on weekends. If you nap during the day, keep it short. Naps longer than 20 to 30 minutes can make it harder to sleep at night.

• Relax at the end of the day. You likely will sleep better if you take time to relax before you go to bed. Listen to soothing music, soak in a warm bath or read a favorite book. Intense exercise, heavy meals, caffeine, nicotine and alcohol make it harder to get to sleep.

• Create a peaceful sleep space. If possible, save your sleep space for rest and intimacy. Try to avoid watching television or using a computer in bed. If your sleeping area has a door, closing it at night can help. Try using a fan or other soothing sounds to muffle outside noise.
• Don't try to force sleep. The harder you try to sleep, the more awake you'll likely feel. If you can't fall asleep, read or do another quiet activity until you become drowsy.
• Check your medicine. Medicine that contains caffeine or another stimulant, including some medicine to treat migraines, can make it hard to get to sleep.