10 Tips to Help You Fall Asleep

Today we bring you some of our best tips for a good night's sleep. These are based on our 40 years dealing with sleep issues. If you have any questions on your specific sleep issue, please feel free to ask in the article comments.

10 Tips to Help You Fall Asleep

1.  Go to sleep in a bed and mattress that is comfortable.
Sure, we are partial to this one but many studies show that a comfortable, supportive mattress is one of the best ways to help ensure a good night's sleep. Our website has some great choices for mattresses to help you sleep better and our sleep specialists can help you pick the right mattress for you. http://www.gotomattress.com/

2.  Take a warm bath before bed.
A warm bath is a great way to relax your body and help you fall asleep, the warm water will relax your muscles and reduce the stress in your body. Shut the lights off, light a candle, and let the worries of the day go away, they will be there tomorrow to deal with ...right?

3.  Dress comfortably. 
Sweat pants and a hoodie are definitely acceptable here if that is what will keep you comfortable. Your significant other might want sexy lingerie, but if you aren't comfortable in it, you won't sleep well.

4. Read a book.
Many people find that reading helps them fall asleep; you might want to pick some light reading or a story you can easily put down after a few pages. A horror novel or other material that would get your mind and body racing isnt the best choice here.

5. Relax
This one seems simple, but it isn't for many people. The worries of a busy day, in a busy life can sometimes seem overwhelming. Put them away. Getting a good night's rest will help you better deal with things the next day, I don't know many people that actually solve a problem laying in bed at 1AM, so why bother trying?

6. Unplug
In today's plugged in society, it can be hard to let your day come to an end if your mobile devices are reminding you about things you have to deal with. Tweets, Like's, bumps, and especially that email from your boss or client will wait until the morning. TURN THEM OFF 30 minutes prior to going to bed to give your mind time to let them go.

7. Bedtime Environment
Your bedroom should be a comfortable temperature, dark, and quiet. An environment that is conducive to sleep is very important and it will also trigger your brain that it is time to sleep, avoid using your bed for anything other than sleep (and sex). If you start working in bed with your laptop your brain may eventually become confused as to why you are there. Some people like to have a low constant noise such as a fan on in the background when they sleep and it has been very effective for them.

8. Have Sex
A great way to end any day, and yes it does help you sleep well, not just the guys either.

9. Check your medications
Many medications can have adverse effects on sleep. Decongestants, steroids, asthma and some high blood pressure medications can all contribute to sleep difficulties. If you are taking any medication, check with your pharmacist or family doctor about your medications and see what they have to say, there may be an alternative without those side effects.

10. Prescription Sleep Medication
A controversial recommendation I am sure for a blog, but there are many people that have actual medical sleep disorders or other physical ailments that don't allow them to sleep well. If you have tried the above ideas and still have trouble sleeping, you may want to consult your family physician and see what his recommendations are.