How to Woo Sleep

o Have a glass of warm milk just before going to sleep.
o Avoid exercise three hours before going to sleep.
o Avoid stimulants like tea, coffee and caffeinated sodas.
o If you can't get sleep 30 minutes after you have gone to bed, get up and do something boring in dim light till you start feeling drowsy. Avoid watching TV or reading a very stimulating book as these will take you away from your objective of quietening the mind.
o Ensure that your bedroom is at a comfortable temperature.
o Keep regular hours. When you get into the habit of sleeping and waking up at the same time everyday - the internal clock of the body gets disciplined and you will feel drowsy at bedtime.
o Bedtime routines are helpful for good sleep. Keeping routines at your bedtime - for example, brushing your teeth, combing your hair, writing in your journal, listening to music - will help the mind to understand that it's now sleeping time.
o Do not eat or drink too much around bedtime. Alcohol is not a sleep aid, don't try to use it to get sleep.
o Engage in a relaxing, non-alerting activity at bedtime such as having a warm bath. Avoid activities that are mentally or physically stimulating.
o Talk to other people. Many people think their symptoms of sleeplessness are unique to them. If you talk to others, you will find that many share your problems. Learning how others have coped can be helpful.
o Seek professional help if you are unable to deal with the sleeplessness M.B.