The bedroom should be a relaxing place, a sanctuary for you to rejuvenate and recharge. However, the number of people complaining of sleep related issues is astounding. A major reason why we have so much difficulty sleeping, is related to bringing stress into the bedroom. Today, a bedroom is no longer a place for rest, it has also become a work room, a play room for your kids, a living room and occasionally a storage facility. So how do we go about returning a bedroom into a sanctuary? Here are some helpful tips to keep you from counting sheep.

1. De-clutter your bedroom. Organize papers, clothes and anything else, and remove it from your bedroom, or put it away in your closet.
2. Create a barrier. A bedroom is for sleep, not for work and stress. Keep your laptop and other work in an office, or in another room other than your bedroom.
3. Turn off your TV. Television stimulates the brain, it does not help you sleep.
4. Get rid of night-lights. Night-lights, electronic lights and light flowing in from windows can keep us awake. We get our best sleep when resting in a completely dark room.
5. Use scents to calm and relax. Before you go to sleep, spray a scent like lavender or jasmine on your pillow.

For other, more health centered sleep tips click here.