Most of us just don’t get enough sleep. Whether there’s a work deadline that pushes us to stay up late... Or we’re enjoying the company of friends into the wee hours... Or our children wake us in the night...

Sleep is usually the first thing we sacrifice to fit everything else in. But, without the right amount of sleep, you compromise your day-to-day performance. And then everything you do suffers.

Follow these simple steps to make sure you’re getting the right amount of quality sleep every night...

7 Steps for training your body to getting a good night's sleep...

    * Stick to a routine. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day, whether you need to go to work or not. Once your body memorises a routine, you will find yourself naturally getting sleepy at night, and naturally eager to spring up in the morning.

    * Avoid cigarettes and alcohol for at least two hours before  bed. And don't drink coffee in the evening. All of these substances contain stimulants that make your body resistant to sleep.

    * Don't take sleeping pills. Taking a drug to fall asleep just lets you get away with a bad lifestyle. You must train your body to fall asleep naturally

    * Don't eat a heavy meal just before bed. Your body will work on the food sitting in your stomach, when it should be slowing down and resting.

    *  Take up regular exercise. This is something you should be doing anyway, but a good work out helps tire the body and promotes good sleep. But make sure you finish exercising at least 3 hours before turning in.

    * Stop trying to cram too much into each day. You may think working into the night helps you achieve more, but all you are doing is lowering your productivity. There is a natural limit to what you can do well in one day. Working late usually means you’ll take 3 hours to do something that will only take you half an hour the next day – after a good night’s rest!

    * Prepare yourself for sleep. You need to wind down and let the day slip away gently. 30 Minutes before bedtime, play some relaxing music, turn off the phone and the telly, and open a window to let in some fresh air.

Remember, sleep is not a luxury. It’s vital to maintaining a healthy and alert mind and body. So make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Here’s to your happiness and wellbeing,

Pascale Barrow
Managing Editor of Personal & Finance Confidential

PS. You’ll be amazed at how much more you can achieve during the day when you get enough rest in the night.

** Everyone has occasional trouble sleeping - and sleep problems generally increase as we age. But even occasional sleep problems can damage your health and make you old before your time. Here's an innovative new sleep solution...