Because sleeping in a necessary part of our daily routine, as well as enjoyable, it becomes a perk as much as it does a must. Something that we enjoy, but also something we need in order to function on a daily basis. Because we’re approaching sleep from these two angles, however, it can often become a layered or complicated process. For instance, wanting to be comfortable, but not so comfortable that the spine isn’t supported in its excessive pile of feathers. Or wanting to sleep in without sleeping the day away, or for so long that you’re incredibly tired from having too much rest.

Instead, we must find the middle ground where nighttime rest is approached from all sides. To achieve this goal, there are a few habits you should kick (and quickly) to gain a better night’s rest.

Remember to avoid:

Hobbies Where you Rest

It might sound nice to eat in bed. Or to play video games or even catch up on some work – especially on a sick day. Doing so, however, will train the brain for stimulating brain activity where it should be resting. Even though the two aren’t taking place at the same time, it can confuse the brain’s signals, making it hard to fall asleep later on.

Not Making the Bed

It might sound trivial, but making and unmaking the bed can offer some serious closure each day. Once the bed is made, the body understands it’s time to wake up. While unmaking it and pulling back one’s covers signals that sleep is about to take place. This simple, yet repetitive habit can make all the difference in one’s mental status.

Sleeping Too Little … or Too Much

Just like the baby bears of sleep amounts, it’s important to plan for the correct amount of time to be found. There will always be exceptions when you just can’t sleep, but when possible, allow yourself a certain allotment. Either arrangement can leave you tired and pining for more sleep throughout the rest of the day.

Laying Down Without Support

Though it defies logic, sometimes craning the neck is just plain comfortable. Period. It might help you get cozy every now and again, but doing so too often can land you with an ongoing injury. Instead, opt for pillows or accessories that cradle your spine, not jar them out of place.

Cheaply Made Materials

While it’s not required to sleep upon Egyptian cotton, high-thread count sheets, it is recommended to avoid the bottom of the barrel. Cheap fabrics are almost always synthetic, which can cause reactions or troubles breathing throughout the night. Opt for something with a little higher quality and be sure to wash on a regular basis to eliminate allergens.

Arrangements that Aren’t Ideal

If you’re tripping over a nightstand every time you get out of bed, it’s time to rearrange. Create a space that’s both functional and comfortable to get the most out of each night of rest. Even if an dysfunctional furniture setup isn’t directly affecting your sleep, it can jolt you awake in a bathroom trip, or cause stress, knowing you have to avoid sharp corners once getting out of bed.

Hitting the Snooze Button

We all do it – some of us quite frequently. But hitting snooze really isn’t allowing your body as much excess rest as you think it might be providing. Instead, it jolts you out of sleep multiple times, without fully allowing deep sleep in between. Instead, set the alarm a few minutes later and get up immediately … or after one round of snoozing.

Gain better, and more efficient, sleep patterns by following these proven steps.