According to Auerbach, the key to initiating sleep is to be as relaxed as possible by removing yourself from the outside world and the stresses of the day. First, remove any items that you regularly use for work, such as a computer or fax machine, from your bedroom. Second, learn how your body eases into sleep, which will differ from person to person. Some people simply have difficulty relaxing. But they can learn how to relax if they are patient.
Some methods commonly used are meditation, self-hypnosis, and audiotapes that play soothing music.
Finally, Auerbach cautions against using melatonin, a newly popular drug sold in health food stores that allegedly helps users attain a deeper sleep than normal. Since melatonin's effects haven't been investigated carefully, he recommends making behavioral changes before trying it. If you do decide to try it, be sure to inform your doctor.