Make sure that the temperature of your bedroom is comfortable – aim towards a cooler temperature as excessive warmth may keep you awake.

Your bed should be comfortable and supportive, and the room should be dark, without any distracting lights. Sleep masks work well for creating darkness and helping to keep your eyes shut.

Try to block out excessive noise - use ear plugs if you have to. You may be kept awake by a snoring partner – if getting them to change position doesn't work, try using ear plugs.

Don't keep a TV in the bedroom if you're having sleeping problems. Watching TV before you go to sleep can stimulate your mind when you're meant to be winding down.

Try not to work or study in the bedroom either – make the bedroom a special, relaxed place that's for sleeping and making love only, not for other day-to-day activities.

Try to wind down with twenty minutes of relaxation before you go to sleep. Read a good novel, have a warm, relaxing bath, do some slow, gentle stretches, or listen to relaxing music. Studies have found that a warm drink, a gentle back rub and listening to relaxation tapes are excellent alternatives to conventional sleep medications.

If you're having trouble stopping your mind from racing, try keeping a "worry book" beside your bed. If you're worrying about certain problems, or thinking of things you've got to do at work in the morning, jot them down. That way, you can safely put them out of your mind until morning.

Physical activity during the day will enhance your sleep, making it deeper and more restful. Try not to exercise too close to bedtime though, as this will stimulate your body temperature and metabolic rate, making it harder for you to get to sleep.