* Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)

This is a method of both tensing and relaxing body muscles with the purpose of reducing anxiety and stress before bedtime. There are several steps to the technique, focusing on various body parts, tensing and then letting go, leaving both mind and body relaxed and stress-free.

* Deep Breathing Techniques

This is another relaxation technique, focusing on breathing deeply through the diaphragm and then exhaling strongly. This relieves a lot of stress and anxiety from the body.

* Other Relaxation Techniques

Self-hypnosis, creative visualization and other relaxation techniques, done before bedime and throughout the day, can also help treat sleep problems stemming from an overactive mind and a restless disposition.

* Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

This involves a therapist who will attempt to identify your misconceptions about sleep as well as correct inappropriate thoughts and beliefs that may contribute to insomnia and sleeplessness. It is a widely encouraged treatment for sleep disorders as it addresses issues that perpetuate insomnia, attempting to solve the root of the problem, rather than the symptoms.

Sleep restriction reduces the amount of time you spend in bed, where you are not sleeping. Basically, if you only sleep 6 hours a night, then only lie in bed 6 hours before you want to wake up. Any other activities should be done out of bed, including sex. :)

* Sleep Hygiene

This refers to various habits and practices that can help getting good sleep. You can check our detailed discussion of Sleep Hygiene for further information.