To prevent or relieve sleep problems and safeguard sleep and make it more restful and pleasurable, it helps to practice good sleep hygiene, a term used to describe techniques that promote good sleep.

* Have a regular sleep/wake schedule
* Avoid naps, especially in the evenings
* Increase exercise and aerobic fitness
* Do not exercise close to bedtime, it may increase alertness
* Avoid intake of caffeine and alcohol just before sleeping
* A heavy meal just before bedtime should also be avoided
* Try a light bedtime snack if hungry
* Schedule reasonable daytime work hours
* Try to relax in the half an hour before bedtime. Reading meditation or taking a leisurely walk may help
* Try to keep yourself busy during the day to avoid       excessive daytime boredom

The author is medical director, Abhaya Neuropsychiatric Centre Bangalore and can be contacted at 
a_jagadish@yahoo.com