Q: Some people have trouble sleeping at night due to a medical condition, and others for unknown reasons. Many of us, however, have sleepless nights because of poor preparation for sleep. Before resorting to a sleep aid, try making some simple lifestyle changes and adjustments to your nighttime routine and see if these improve your sleep patterns. Check out this wikiHow article for more tips on improving sleep, and try: Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine for four to six hours before bedtime; avoiding exercise 2 hours before bedtime; avoiding large meals two hours before bedtime; taking any naps before 3:00 in the afternoon. Choosing a dark, quiet, comfortable room; "winding down" for 30 minutes before bedtime by reading, listening to music, etc. (and not by watching TV or looking at your phone, computer or another type of screen device); getting up if you haven't fallen asleep within 20 minutes of bedtime and doing another "wind-down" until you are sleepy. Some herbal or traditional sleep aids, like chamomile tea (two to three bags steeped for ten minutes, typically), have been used for ages and are almost always safe. Other herbal or similar supplements, however, even if marketed as "natural," may be just as prone to dangerous side effects as over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription sleeping pills. They may also do nothing to actually help you sleep. Valerian is an herbal remedy that is generally safe and non-habit forming, but is of unclear usefulness in aiding sleep. Unlike most sleep aids, it works best when taken nightly for at least two weeks. Consult your doctor about possible interactions with statins and other medications. Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body at night. It is best to stick to low doses (usually 1-3 mg), and to take special care if you are on blood pressure or diabetes medications. Tryptophan is an amino acid famous for being in your Thanksgiving turkey, its sleep-inducing effectiveness is inconclusive. Kava is a traditional remedy that may help with stress-related insomnia, but can cause severe liver damage. It is best taken under a doctor's supervision. Whatever your herbal sleep aid choice, follow the dosing instructions carefully. If there are not clear instructions provided, don't take the medication. Your safest move is to contact your doctor before taking any sleep aid, herbal remedies included. There are more options than ever before in the sleep aid section of your local drugstore, which may improve your likelihood of finding a pill that works for you. Remember, though, that just because a medication is over-the-counter does not mean that it is safe to take for everyone. Possible drug interactions and side effects must be accounted for, and it is best to consult your doctor or pharmacist first. Despite the brand variety available, most OTC sleep aids are antihistamines, either diphenhydramine (such as Nytol) or doxylamine (such as Unisom). The sedating effects of antihistamine-based sleep aids can often bleed into the next day, causing a sort of "hangover" especially if you do not give yourself eight or more hours to sleep. If other options have failed to help, your doctor may advise and prescribe one of several sleep medications, all of which require careful monitoring for possible side effects. Some options include: Benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics. The oldest variety of prescription sleep aids, these are controlled substances with a high risk of dependency, as well as risks of dangerous allergic reactions and episodes of sleep-walking/eating/driving, etc. Non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics. These include popular medications like Ambien, and work on the same area of the brain with less risk of dependency; however, there is less information regarding their long-term effects, and they carry the same risk of sleep-walking, etc., along with a possible risk of depression and/or suicidal thoughts. Sedative hypnotics may increase the risk of fetal malformations during pregnancy and should never be taken with alcohol. Melatonin receptor agonists. These are a new variety of prescription sleep aids, and work primarily to help you fall but not necessarily stay asleep. They can cause dizziness, worsen depression, and exacerbate existing liver damage, among other possible side effects. Antidepressants. While not intended for use as sleep aids, these are sometimes prescribed for "off label" use by physicians. Regardless of why they are being used, they carry the risk of worsening depression or suicidal thoughts. Orexin receptor antagonists. These new drugs target orexins, which are chemicals that help keep you awake and alert. These medications block the orexin receptors in your brain, which will hopefully make you tired.
A: Try improving your sleep without medication. Consider "natural" sleep aids carefully. Try OTC sleeping pills. Move on to prescription sleep aids if necessary.

Q: Get a rag or soft cloth damp with warm water. Use the damp rag or cloth to wipe down the cork. Try to loosen any dirt while you wet the cork. Wash your cork directly under the faucet tap. Do this for cork that you are prepared to get fully wet, like a fishing rod grip. Don't leave standing water on cork floors. Also don't submerge shoes with cork uppers or heels under water. This could ruin any leather or suede on the shoes. Use a damp sponge, gently scrub a soapy cleaning solution into your cork. Rub in circles and clean the entire surface. Rinse the cleaning solution off of the cork. Finally, dry it with a clean, soft rag or allow the cork to air dry overnight before using. Clean smaller cork items with mild detergent and water, the vinegar, soap, and water cleaning solution above, or store-bought cleaners. Make a paste with Borax to remove tough, ground-in dirt. Combine water with Borax in a shallow bowl. Start with about cup (60 mL) Borax and add just enough drops of water to make a thick paste.
A:
Wipe away dirt with water. Put your cork under running water. Wash other kinds of cork with a cleaning solution. Make a paste with Borax.