Sweet dreams are made of these
Though sleeping might feel like "doing nothing," anyone who’s suffered from a prolonged period of insomnia understands how important a good night’s sleep is to maintain good mental and physical health. Practicing good sleep habits will help you avoid insomnia and sleep like a baby.
Nighty-night. Having a sleep ritual sends a cue to your brain and your body. Take a warm bath, enjoy a cup of hot milk or read a magazine.
Rock-a-bye. Make your bedroom a sleep-ready one. Invest in a comfortable bed and supportive pillows, hang curtains to block outside light, and remove distractions like computers, television and papers. Keep it clean and free of allergens like dust, dust-mites and pet hair, and air it frequently.
A hard day’s night. What you do earlier in the day or evening can affect the quality of your night-time sleep. Avoid caffeine for several hours before bed, eat an early dinner, try not to smoke or consume alcohol before going to bed, and exercise in the morning or afternoon rather than in the evening.
Pack up your troubles. If you’re ready for bed but your mind’s racing, figure out a way to shift gears. Make notes for the next day, practice relaxation exercises or try doing puzzles to distract your mind by giving it something else to focus on.