Slipping into sleep when you need to is made easier by subtly changing the way you use your bedroom.

The way you use your bedroom can have a profound effect on your ability to get a good night's sleep.  Your bedroom is you sanctuary-a calm and relaxing place that, since your childhood, has been a personal space in which you can relax and be yourself.

If you're sharing an apartment or living in a small space, however, you're as likely to use your bedroom for entertaining guests, studying, working and eating as you are for sleeping.

BED IS FOR SLEEPING

If your bedroom is also your general living space, you may find it difficult to psychologically switch off at bedtime.  If this is the case, you need to train your body to associate your bed with sleep.  Get into bed only when you are really tired and on the verge of falling asleep.  If you feel like reading or watching TV, relax in a chair or even on cushions on the floor rather than sitting in bed.

Making simple changes to the way use your bedroom will help you into the habit of drifting off to sleep easily.