According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 70 million Americans are affected by a chronic sleep disorder or intermittent sleep problem.  Women suffer from lack of sleep more often than men and with increasing frequency as they age.

Here are a few tips from the National sleep Foundation on getting a better night’s sleep:

• Try to have a standard, relaxing bedtime routine and keep regular sleep times.
• Make sure your bedroom is dark, cool and quiet and that your pillows, sleep surface and coverings provide you with comfort.
• Exercise regularly, but finish your workout at least three hours before bedtime.
• Avoid foods and drinks high in caffeine (coffee, colas and tea) for at least eight hours prior to bedtime, and avoid alcohol for a few hours before bedtime. Caffeine and alcohol disturb sleep.
• Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex to strengthen the association between bed and sleep.  It is best to remove work materials, computers and televisions from the sleep environment.