What you had for dinner

What drinks you consumed after dinner

Any naps taken during the day

What time you went to bed

How long it took you to fall asleep

If you woke during the night

What time you woke up in the morning

How you rated quality of sleep (1-10)

Any further observations

Do this every days for a few weeks and you should see a pattern emerging. This will give you invaluable information on your personal sleep habits and patterns.

Develop an evening ritual.

Do the same things at the same time each night. This programs the unconscious mind that you are preparing for sleep. Brush you teeth, put the cat out, check the locks on the doors. Do each step in the same order. It may sound simplistic but it can work really well.

Exercise more during the day.

Exercise relaxes the body and mind as well as being good for your health and helping with weight loss. Even walking just 30 minutes a day will help. If walking?s not your thing try Yoga or Qigong. Both are soothing and will relax you totally. If there are no classes near you, videos or CDs are easily available.

Practice muscle relaxation.

You can do this during the day or after going to bed. Practice tensing and relaxing each muscle group in turn, starting at the top of the head and gradually working down to the toes. This relaxes the body and also distracts you from any worrying thoughts while you are performing it. Visit the page on relaxation techniques for some easy to follow techniques.

Write down worries before going to bed.

There?s always something to worry about isn?t there? These are the things that can keep you awake when your mind won?t let go. Solution? Have a worry time before going to bed. Think of all the problems that are currently in your life and write them down. Make a decision to do something about them the following day.

If you are tempted to think about any of those things while you are trying to sleep simply tell yourself, ?its ok, I?ve made a note of it and I?ll handle it tomorrow?

Sweet dreams!

Want to know how to have better sleep? Find out how. Check out http://www.insomnia-connection.com your resource for detailed information on sleep and curing stress. The author, Wendy Owen, has had a lifetime interest in general and alternative health as well as being an ex insomniac!