If you struggle, like I do, to fall asleep, or to stay asleep at night, there are a few really basic (and perhaps obvious) tips on how to get better sleep.  So here we go:  First and foremost, DON’T have kids! Ok, so if that’s not totally realistic then you might want to try some of the other ideas!

• Get off your electronic devices! Yes, we are all slightly addicted, or very addicted to our phones, ipads, laptops etc, but it is proven over and over again that screen time before bedtime keeps the brain too active. So make it your goal to turn off all internet mind suckers a good 30-60 mins before your desired bed time.
• Avoid sugar/eating/snacking late in the evening.  A heavy belly or a sugar spike makes it hard for the body to comfortably relax and let go when you want to sleep.
• Go to bed earlier. Sounds obvious, but most of us go to bed a good half hour after we intend to, leaving us more exhausted.
• Try yoga nidra. The one thing I allow myself if sleep is eluding me, is to plug in earphones and listen to a guided relaxation.  Yoga nidra translates as yogic sleep and it is a systematic release of the body to come into a state of real rest.  If you have an overactive mind at night, this will do the trick!
• If you wake in the middle of the night, DON’T get on the internet and check email/facebook or whatever garbage is on buzzfeed.  This only stimulates you to be more wide awake and gets the mind going.  Rather, turn on that yoga nidra again and let it help to slip you back off.  Worse case scenario you don’t fully sleep but you are at least in a deep state of relaxation!

So you might be saying to yourself: I know all this!  And you probably do. Now it might just be time to try implement them!  Tonight’s the night for sweet sweet sleep!