You already know that getting enough sleep is an important part of reaching your Fat loss goals. Sleep deprivation triggers hormones that increase appetite and slow down your body’s ability to burn Fat and metabolize carbohydrates.

But lack of sleep can have devastating effects on other aspects of your health as well. Studies show people who don’t get enough sleep are at significantly higher risk of high blood pressure and depression. On the flip side, you don’t need any studies to know that nothing makes you feel better than getting a good night’s sleep.

But for many of us, a variety of issues make it difficult to just drift off to sleep at night. Everything from financial worries to work stress to aches and pains can keep us up at night.

If you ever have trouble getting the Zzz’s you need, here are a few tips to help you get your snooze on:

1. Make sleep a priority. No excuses.
2. Set a regular bedtime. You’re more likely to get enough sleep if you schedule rest like your other important things in your life. If you’re a night owl, try turning in a half hour earlier each night until you can reach 7 to 8 hours of sleep.
3. Get up at the same hour every day. Since your body operates on cycles, waking at the same time every day will help you establish a regular sleep pattern
4. De-Caffeinate. Try resisting coffee, tea, energy drinks or other caffeine 6-8 hours before bed.
5. De-Stress. Relax by taking a hot bath or meditating. Finish any next-day preparations an hour before bed to turn off any daytime-worries.
6. Exercise during the day. It will ease stress and help you improve the quality of your sleep.
7. Make your bed a sleep retreat. No paying bills, using computers, or writing reports in bed.
8. Limit drinking. Alcohol keeps you from reaching deep sleep stages, so try to limit how much you drink before bed.