1. Prioritize. The two hours in the afternoon that you used to play video games or take a nap didn't seem like a big deal at the time, but later that night when you didn't start your homework until midnight and it takes you until 2am, you are starting to regret those wasted hours earlier. Prioritize your time. You may still have time for that game, but do the homework first. Set goals. I'll get this homework assignment done in the next hour, then I'll reward myself with a 15 minute break. Then I'll get back at it.
2. Avoid naps. I know this sounds crazy, but it's true. There are emergency situations where naps are helpful, but for the most part, they just end up making it harder to sleep at night - or at least they keep you from feeling like it's time for bed. It is a destructive pattern, too. You sleep for an hour in the afternoon. Then, you don't go to bed until 1am. Then, you are exhausted the next day, so you take a 2 hour nap. Then you don't go to bed until 2 am...and so on. If you absolutely need to be refreshed by a nap - make it no longer than 20 minutes. A 20 minute nap can be extremely refreshing without keeping you up later at night.
3. Do your homework. Don't leave it for after curfew. Do it in the afternoon or early evening. This way, when curfew comes, you can spend a little time hanging out with friends and still get to bed at a decent time.
4. Set limits. When it comes to hanging out with friends, set limits. It's easy to go to a friends room and literally just be there (doing nothing) for 3 hours. Set a limit. If you visit at 11 pm, make your time worthwhile and plan from the start to head out at 11:30 pm so you can get to bed.
5. Keep a normal schedule. Do what it takes to stay awake when you should be awake (during the day) and to sleep when you should sleep (at night). Stand while you read so you don't get sleepy and then "accidentally" take a three hour nap. Do your homework with a friend so you can keep each other awake and focused. Don't do anything on your bed during the afternoon - you'll fall asleep. Stand during class so that you are alert and focused (you could stand in the back - been there, done that). This will help you get the right amount of sleep at night. Your body will be ready for bed at a normal time.
Give it a shot. Try to get more sleep. Don't do it for yourself - do it for God - because you know that getting the right amount of sleep is what you need to be most fit for serving Him for His glory.
What other practical tips do you have for getting enough sleep?
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