If you wake up, jot down what's bothering you or tell it to the tape recorder and put it aside, Neubauer says. Some people find it helpful to do that before they get into the bed. Our society is so busy that many people find the first moment they have to reflect on the happenings of the day is when they've gotten in bed and turned off the light, which is really when they want to fall asleep. Some sleep problems can be treated with sleeping pills. Roth says there is little evidence that the drugs used today are addictive like the barbiturates of the '60s, but some do have side effects, including drowsiness and headaches.
Natural remedies can be effective, depending on the individual.
For some, drinking herbal tea or warm milk helps induce sleep. Others say dietary supplements have worked for them. It's not a sedative, but it does relax people. It relaxes your mind and your muscles. Tyler says the best studies show that another supplement, valerian, doesn't produce significant results as an acute sleep aid, but it may help some people regulate their sleep schedule by enabling them to fall asleep faster.