Before you leave the hospital, make sure you have in writing what your medicines and doses should be when you arrive home. If some of the medicines you were taking before hospitalization are not on the list of medicines to take after, ask why. Also, ask your usual pharmacist to check your new combination of medicines for potential drug interactions or anything that you may be allergic to.

It is a good idea for anyone with diabetes to wear a medical identification bracelet indicating that he has diabetes, just in case he is ever unable to speak for himself.

Try using a “white noise generator,” a fan, or a tape of nature sounds to block unwanted noise when trying to sleep.

Keeping a sleep diary can help you figure out what’s keeping you up or what works best to help you sleep. Each morning, record in your sleep diary when you went to bed, about how long it took to go to sleep, about how many times you recall waking up, when you got up, and how rested you feel. Record any naps you took the day before. Also rate your energy level and alertness during the day on a scale of 1 to 10. If this doesn’t improve your sleep quality, you may want to consult a sleep specialist.

Thinner pillows may give better posture and provide more comfortable sleep to people who sleep on their backs, while people who sleep on their sides may need thicker pillows for more neck support. You can also try a pillow or bolster behind you when you sleep on your side, or a pillow under your feet or between your knees to reduce back strain.

To help yourself sleep, reduce caffeine, limit alcohol, and stop smoking. Get in the habit of using your bed only for sleep and sex. Don’t read, eat, talk on the phone, or watch television in bed. Get up at the same time every morning, whether you’ve slept or not. Be patient, as it can take at least two weeks to learn new sleep behaviors.