Sleep disruption is common, especially during times when you may feel emotionally overwhelmed. Anxiety, relentless replaying of the day's events, and heightened emotions may significantly interfere with your sleep. The most common cause of insomnia is a change in your daily routine. For example traveling, change in work hours, disruption of other behaviors (eating, exercise, leisure, etc.), and relationship volatility may cause sleep problems.

Do:

1. Go to bed when you are tired – and not before.
2. Get up from bed at the same time each day.
3. Get regular exercise each day, preferably in the morning. There is good evidence that regular exercise improves restful sleep. This includes stretching and aerobic exercise.
4. Get regular exposure to outdoor or bright lights, especially in the late afternoon.
5. Keep the temperature in your bedroom comfortable.
6. Keep the bedroom quiet when sleeping.
7. Keep the bedroom dark enough to facilitate sleep.
8. Use your bed only for sleep and sex.
9. Take medications as directed.
10. Use a relaxation exercise just before going to sleep. Muscle relaxation, imagery, massage, warm bath, etc.
11. Keep your feet and hands warm. Wear warm socks and/or mittens or gloves to bed.
12. Before you go to bed, write a list of things you need to do the next day. This will stop you staying awake thinking about what you need to do.

Don't:

1. Exercise just before going to bed.
2. Engage in stimulating activity just before bed, such as playing a competitive game, watching an exciting program on television or movie, or having an important discussion with a loved one.
3. Have caffeine in the evening (coffee, many teas, chocolate, sodas, etc.)
4. Read or watch television in bed.
5. Use alcohol to help you sleep.
6. Go to bed too hungry or too full.
7. Take another person's sleeping pills.
8. Take over-the-counter sleeping pills, without your doctor's knowledge. Tolerance can develop rapidly with these medications.
9. Take daytime naps.
10. Command yourself to go to sleep. This only makes your mind and body more alert.

If you lie in bed awake for more than 20-30 minutes, get up, go to a different room (or different part of the bedroom), participate in a quiet activity (e.g. non-excitable reading or television), then return to bed when you feel sleepy. Do this as many times during the night as needed.