If you are one of the many, probably just about everybody has this problem occasionally, who sometimes doesn’t feel like you have had a good night’s rest, then you might want to try some of the following easy tips to getting better sleep.

• 1. Go to sleep at the same time every night.
• 2. Have a short routine to prepare yourself for sleep.
• 3. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting, sleep wear.
• 4. Drink only water, and only in small quantities, the 2 hours prior to sleep time.
• 5. Sleep in a quiet place, but not too quiet.
• 6. Sleep in a darkened room, but not too dark.
• 7. Avoid exercising late in the day.
• 8. Get up at the same time every day.

By going to sleep at the same time every day of the week, you train your body to fall asleep faster. You will also be more alert and better rested for doing it.

Using a short routine prior to bedtime also helps you to get into the ’sleep mode’. This sends solid signals to your brain and body that it is time for you to go to sleep.

What you wear when you sleep (I don’t recommend going commando here) can greatly affect your sleep. Cotton clothing, that fits comfortably loose, will help you to go to sleep, and stay asleep. It’s also better if you have to jump up in the night and go out due to an emergency!

Really, you want to avoid taking fluids of all types in large quantities before heading off to bed. Especially avoid those with alcohol or caffeine.

Your room for sleeping should be quiet enough that sudden noises and sounds will not keep you from falling asleep, or staying asleep. However, your brain will relax better and allow you to sleep more comfortably with less disturbances if there is at least some constant or intermittent noise. Total quiet to many is disturbing in itself.

The same thing goes for darkness. We know too much light makes it difficult to sleep, but too much dark? Your body needs light to keep your inner clock and circadian rhythms in sync. Natural light is best for this.

Exercising before sleeping gets you tired on the outside, but increases your body temperature and heart rate. This means you cannot relax easily or enter a comfortable, deep sleep quickly. Exercise, yes, but do it early.

Lastly, get up throughout the week at the same time. You can do different things or have a different routine for the time after you wake up. For example, on non-school or non-workdays, relax with some meditation, reading, catching up on some letter writing, or find something special to do on those days. Sleeping later on those days will not make you feel more rested, and you will enjoy the ‘extra’ time more than the so-called ‘extra’ sleep.

Allen Williams is a professional educator, speaker, writer and previously a long-time sufferer of poor sleep. Find out all about how to get to sleep better at http://www.Powerful-Sleep.com