A good sleep is something we take for granted most nights. It is the one night when you can’t sleep that you realize that insomnia is truly a demon in your life. When one night turns into two, and then into three, panic can set in. Relax, read the tips below and start to get your life back.

You can invite sleep in by creating a dark, soothing atmosphere in your bedroom. Be sure to get shades or curtains that block any outside light. Try some soothing music, or a CD with ocean or bird sound effects. Read a relaxing book. Find what works for you, and create a habit of it. You will learn to associate these activities with sleep.

If you have trouble falling asleep on a regular basis, try to boost your melatonin levels. Tart cherry juice has been found to have high levels of melatonin. This can be found in natural or health food stores. A small amount a half an hour before bedtime can really help you fall asleep and stay asleep.

Cut down on fluid intake before you go to sleep. If you have to wake up in the middle of your sleep to go to the bathroom, you have to make sure that you cut the fluids you have in the evening so you can have uninterrupted sleep instead of getting up over and over.

Don’t make your bed the hub for all your activity. Your bed should only be for sleeping. If you are always trying to do other things in bed, your body knows that and isn’t quite sure what it is there for. Make sure that you keep other activity out of bed and you’ll fall asleep better.

Remember that caffeine isn’t only found in coffee! Tea, pop and even chocolate all contain caffeine, as do energy drinks. You want to limit all the caffeine in your diet after 12pm so that you are able to fall asleep at night without the stimulating effects of this ingredient.

Wake at the same time consistently every day. That might seem strange if you want to sleep in whenever you’re able to catch a bit of sleep, but if you can get yourself use a regular waking schedule, you’ll save up all that sleepiness and it will be easier to go to sleep during the night.

Make sure that your bed is comfortable. If you have an old bed, the problem may not be insomnia. It might be that your bed is too uncomfortable to have a good time sleeping. Try sleeping in another location, whether that be on the couch or a night in a hotel. If your bed is the culprit, replace it.

Though it may have some beneficial uses, cut your caffeine intake, especially at night. It is common for people to drink beverages with caffeine, often without realizing they are. Limit your drinking to water at night. When you avoid caffeine, your body will not be “amped” up when sleep is needed.

Try meditation before bed. One problem many people face is the inability to release daily concerns, or the upcoming day’s tasks. Take a few minutes to sit comfortable, relax and clear your mind. As you clear your mind, take each part of your body and focus on relaxing them, thus relaxing the body as a whole.

Being able to breathe properly while you are sleeping is important. Your breathing issues may be related to allergies, congestion or other issues. Most problems can be treated with a simple medication, using an air purifier or even just putting a specially designed adhesive strip that opens up your nasal passages.

Regularly exercise. Walk, swim or engage in aerobics regularly to fall asleep faster at night. However, do not exercise right before you sleep. Physical activity is going to stimulate your metabolism when you need to be relaxing into rest.

Insomnia can have many causes. Sometimes, it is just a habit that is disrupting your sleep. Prior to going to bed, avoid situations that provoke stress and stimulation. If you get into a heated discussion before bedtime, it can be really hard to shut off your mind and fall asleep.

Talk to your doctor to see if there is a medical problem that is preventing you from getting as much sleep as you should. Many times people think of insomnia as a minor issue when it may be something that is quite serious. If you have trouble sleeping for more than a week, you should talk to a doctor.

Now you know all of these great ways to help you sleep at night, so don’t feel frightened about going to bed any longer! The time is right to tackle this demon, so start using these ideas today. When you can change your sleep for the better, only good things will come your way.