SleepHow-to guide
Evening Habits That Help You Sleep Better
Practical evening habits that make it easier to fall asleep: consistent timing, light, screens, caffeine, meals and a calm wind-down routine.
2 min read
Health topic
Sleep and Sleep Science
Sleep affects mood, focus, appetite and long-term health. Here we explain how sleep needs change with age, which evening habits make falling asleep easier, and how to plan a bedtime around your wake-up time.
We rely on guidance from public-health bodies and sleep-medicine societies, and we flag symptoms such as loud snoring with breathing pauses that should be checked by a professional.
What this topic covers
How much sleep you need
Recommended hours by age group and why individual needs vary.
Evening habits
Light, caffeine, meals and screens in the hours before bed.
Sleep schedules
Consistent timing, weekends, naps and shift work.
When to get help
Signs that a sleep problem needs medical advice.
Sleep guides
Videos on sleep
All videosFrequently asked questions
How many hours of sleep do adults need?
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 7 or more hours a night for adults aged 18 to 60, 7–9 hours for ages 61–64 and 7–8 hours for those 65 and older.