I start with taking Natural Calm, a magnesium supplement, about 30 minutes before bedtime. I have been taking it for years, initially because I struggled both to fall asleep and to stay asleep. I sleep much better getting the magnesium, though it's still not perfect.

My other sleep routines include making sure the ambient temperature is cool enough to have a blanket on top of me; the weight of a blanket helps me to sleep, so when it's warm I have a harder time sleeping. I also have a worn, feather pillow that I can put over my eyes and tuck around my ears to eliminate the light and sounds that can make it hard for me to sleep. Light, especially, is a challenge for me. The nightlight in our kids' bathroom, though dim, makes it hard for me to sleep. A phone charging in our bedroom - either the one with a soft orange light or the digital green light - makes it super hard to calm my system enough to sleep.

The other thing that is critical for me is actually going to my bed at a reasonable time and not taking any devices with me. I can fall asleep, but if I'm watching something, my brain can't shut it off or interrupt that stimuli. It's the primary reason we don't own a TV. Now, with laptops and streaming content, it's hard for me again. If I can shut it off by 10 and go to bed, I'm in pretty good shape to get a decent night's sleep.