I'm not what you would call "A Good Sleeper." Never have been, at least not as long as I can remember. Since going through a day zombie-like is not fun (and not very productive, either), I've come up with some things that work to help me get to sleep and stay asleep. I hope they help you, too!

1. Wind down for 30 minutes before you try to sleep.

What relaxes you? Books? Movies? Music? Whatever it is, get yourself some and spend some time with it. Not too much, mind you, or it's not about sleeping anymore. A half hour spent doing something you enjoy is just about the perfect amount of time to relax before you fall asleep.

2. Check the temperature.

If you're uncomfortable, you will tend to sleep poorly even if you don't wake up because of it. You should feel slightly cool but not cold and definitely not hot. That will be different for everyone, so you may have to negotiate if your partner feels "slightly cool" at a different temp than you do. Put some blankets within easy reach, if getting cold in the night is something that happens to you. For some reason, we don't always notice the temperature when we're fighting to sleep well, but changing it can work wonders.

3. Go to the bathroom, and don't drink anything in the hour before you try to sleep.

Ok, so it sounds a little silly, but if you don't have to get up to use the toilet in the middle of the night, you're more likely to sleep all the way through until morning, and that sleep is more likely to be good. Interrupted sleep is always less restful and less deep than uninterrupted sleep.

4. Make a list of the things you want to do tomorrow.

Often, we lie awake at night because we're thinking or worrying about what the morning will bring. Writing these things down helps us feel like we don't have to carry them around in our heads anymore, which can allow our minds to relax so we can sleep, and sleep well. if you have things come to you when you're lying in bed, or if you aren't plagued so much with things to do but with thoughts or "what if's...," writing can help you too. Keep a pen and paper by your bed and list the things that come to mind or the things you want to think about. Block out some time to spend with them in the morning so you can sleep peacefully all night.

5. Spray your sheets with a relaxing scent.

Not everything aroma therapists claim scents can do is true, but they can help us relax. Lavender is known to be relaxing, but really, it's whatever works for you. Find a body spray in the bed and bath section of your local drug store or supermarket, spray your sheets, and sleep the night away. Don't spray it on too thick, or you'll have to change your sheets to be able to breathe. A light spray from 3 or 4 feet away is usually good to go.

Sleep well, everyone!† I know I hope I do.