7 Steps to Better Sleep, Better Health

Not getting enough sleep can be bad for your health, according to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

A lack of sleep is tied to obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, depression, heart attacks, strokes, and possible premature death.

The CDC called insufficient sleep, "a public health epidemic."

One expert told USA Today sleep is one of the three keys to health, saying it should be thought of "as one of the components of a three-legged stool of wellness: nutrition, exercise and sleep," said Safwan Badr, a sleep expert with Detroit Medical Center.

"The three are synergistic," he said. "It's hard to lose weight if you are sleep deprived. It's hard to eat healthy if you are sleep deprived. It is hard to exercise if you're tired."

Are you looking to make a change?

Here are seven steps to better sleep by the Mayo Clinic staff:

1. Stick to a sleep schedule

2. Pay attention to what you eat and drink

3. Create a bedtime ritual

4. Get comfortable

5. Limit daytime naps

6. Include physical activity in your daily routine

7. Manage stress

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