The one thing that going to sleep requires is relaxation. If you are tense, stressed, excited, angry, or anticipating an upcoming event, you aren't going to fall asleep easily or quickly, and you will very likely suffer through a night of insomnia.

A good night of restful sleep means that before you can find that sleep, your body and your mind are going to have to relax. Here are a few relaxation technique ideas that might help you overcome your next night of insomnia:

* A nightly ritual: Humans love rituals. We even thrive on our little daily rituals. Before you go to work, for example, you have coffee, shower, dress, etc., all rituals in preparation for work. The rituals to prepare for sleep are just as vital. Prepare for sleep in the same way each night.

* Relax your mind: The mind needs to be relaxed before sleep is going to come. You need to take a full hour to prepare your mind for relaxation before trying to sleep. Read something (not a page turner)…the dictionary might be a good choice. Read something that is nonstimulating. Turn off the TV and listen to music (not hard rock)…try something akin to elevator music.

* Relax your body: There are muscle relaxation techniques that you can learn. One of the more effective ones is to start by concentrating on your feet and consciously relaxing them, and them moving up the body to the calves, to the thighs, to the hips, and so on while you consciously relax the muscles.

* Keep a bedtime schedule: This is really difficult in our busy lives, but it is one of the most effective ways of guaranteeing yourself a good night of rest. If you go to bed at the same time night after night after night, your internal clock will set itself to a sleep schedule.