Sabbath is a popular concept among people of faith, particularly those of specific religions. Even when a different term is used, almost every philosophy that people embrace as a guide to living a good life upholds the value of solid, habitual rest. Taking a day off every week to rejuvenate is a good idea, but it doesn't replace a healthy, daily sleep practice. Here are four ways to improve the rest you get every night.

1. Create a Good Bedtime Routine

Some people can fall asleep with little or no preparation, but many people need to slow down their minds and bodies before they can drift off. No matter where you fall on that spectrum, it's a good idea to have a consistent bedtime routine. Even if you usually fall asleep easily, the nightly regimen can be helpful on evenings when rest doesn't come so quickly.

The overall ambiance of your bedtime routine should be dark, quiet and peaceful.  While many people stare at their phones or their televisions until the moment they try to go to sleep, doing so can significantly disrupt your sleep patterns. Instead, consider journaling to jot down and calm your racing thoughts. Pray or meditate to soothe your soul and slow down your breathing. Make sure the temperature is conducive to comfortable sleep. Once you find a routine that works for you, you are likely to notice that you sleep more soundly and feel more rested when you wake up.

2. Curb Bad Habits

The National Sleep Foundation recommends seven to nine hours of sleep every night for most adults. If your sleep is too light or fitful, however, you are not getting the full benefit of the hours you spend in bed. A good routine will only take you so far. You must also take care to minimize or eliminate nighttime habits that make restful sleep more difficult:

• Alcohol consumption
• Tobacco use
• Caffeine intake
• Heavy meals

3. Stick to a Consistent Schedule

One of the hardest things to do, particularly if you rise early during the workweek, is maintain your sleep schedule on the weekend. Many people look forward to the one or two days a week they get to sleep in and relish the practice. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule wherein you go to bed and get up at approximately the same time every day is better for your overall sleep hygiene, though. In doing so, you are training your body to get the same amount of rest, no matter what day it is. 

Naps can feel decadent in the moment, but unless they are part of your regular sleep schedule, they can throw your rhythm off track. Of course, it's better to take an afternoon nap than force yourself through a busy evening with sleep deprivation. Try to limit the time you spend asleep to an hour and a half, though, to ensure minimal disruption to your nightly rest.

4. Keep a Sleep Journal

For most people, a consistent routine, good habits and a reliable schedule are all it takes to sleep well. Others may need professional intervention. If you suffer from insomnia or nothing you do is helping you get as much sleep as you should, you may need to talk to your doctor about the problem.

A sleep journal can be a valuable resource during this consultation. Jot down approximately when you go to bed, how long it takes you to fall asleep, how often you wake throughout the night and when you arise. These notes can reveal the disruption in your sleep pattern and help your doctor assist you better.

Getting consistent good rest is important not just physically but mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Even if you take a weekly sabbath, you still need to build good daily sleep habits.