How to fix all of your sleep problems with science

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Scientists aren't sure what causes nighttime leg cramps, but it's probably related to muscle fatigue and nerve damage. Stretching and massage can help.

Scientists aren't sure what causes nighttime leg cramps, but it's probably related to muscle fatigue and nerve damage. Stretching and massage can help.

Sources: Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic

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Whether you or your partner are the noisy one, there are interventions you can try to prevent snoring. If you're the snorer, start by avoiding sleeping on your back.

Whether you or your partner are the noisy one, there are interventions you can try to prevent snoring. If you're the snorer, start by avoiding sleeping on your back.

Source: Harvard Medical School

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About 7 million Americans have acid reflux disease. Medication and sleeping elevated on your left side can help.

About 7 million Americans have acid reflux disease. Medication and sleeping elevated on your left side can help.

Sources: Cleveland Clinic, Healthline

Scientists call not waking up at the same time "social jet lag." Try setting your alarm for the same time seven days a week.

Scientists call not waking up at the same time "social jet lag." Try setting your alarm for the same time seven days a week.

Source: Chronobiology International

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Your body really does need to be cooler when you sleep in order to get the best rest.

Your body really does need to be cooler when you sleep in order to get the best rest.

Sources: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Sleep Foundation,
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

It can be tough to banish phones before bedtime, but you should. Their blue light really can wreck havoc on your REM cycle.

It can be tough to banish phones before bedtime, but you should. Their blue light really can wreck havoc on your REM cycle.

Sources: Journal of Applied Physiology, Neuroendocrinology Letters

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If your pillow doesn't hold its shape, it's time to get a new one.

If your pillow doesn't hold its shape, it's time to get a new one.

Source: Journal of Pain Research

Sleeping on your stomach is probably not the best position if you have back pain, though a pillow under your legs can help. If you sleep on your side, try a pillow between your legs to relieve discomfort.

Sleeping on your stomach is probably not the best position if you have back pain, though a pillow under your legs can help. If you sleep on your side, try a pillow between your legs to relieve discomfort.

Source: Mayo Clinic

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Strategically placing pillows is a good way to relieve all sorts of pain. If you wake up with a sore shoulder, try hugging your pillow when you’re going to sleep.

Strategically placing pillows is a good way to relieve all sorts of pain. If you wake up with a sore shoulder, try hugging your pillow when you’re going to sleep.

Sources: Mayo Clinic, Hennepin County Medical Center