Good health starts with healthy habits. And sleep is important, because it can help prevent serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

About one-third of Americans get less than 7 hours of sleep per night. And losing those hours of sleep can affect your overall quality of life. By improving your sleep habits, you can take charge of your health.

Make sure you give yourself enough time to sleep. You should try to sleep 7 to 8 hours every night.

And use these helpful tips to improve your sleep habits:

• Set a specific time to go to bed and wake up
• Follow the same sleep schedule on weekends
• Avoid eating heavy or large meals before bedtime
• Keep your bedroom quiet, dark and relaxing

Sources: Are you getting enough sleep? (CDC)
Sleep Deprivation and Deficiency (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
Sleep Disorders & Insufficient Sleep: Improving Health through Research (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)