Are you finding it difficult to sleep? And no matter what you try to do, there's no switch off to allow your body to take you into that comfort peaceful zone known as sleep.

There are many reasons for not being able to sleep. It may be a case of insomnia which is 'Chronic inability to fall asleep or remain asleep for an adequate length of time'. Insomnia affects people of all ages and women are more affected by insomnia than men. There are several types of insomnia:

Transient insomnia - Which lasts up to a week.

Short-term insomnia - Lasting more than a week but not more than three weeks.

Long-term or chronic insomnia - A continual inability to sleep for months on end.

There are many reasons for why you would suffer from insomnia:

1. A stressful of emotional situation having occurred.

2. Travelling, resulting in jet lag.

3. Shift work.

4. Alcohol.

5. Medication.

6. Your environment.

There are some simple ways to ensure that may help you to sleep and prevent insomnia from reoccurring. The lack of sleep can cause other problems to develop, such as memory loss, feeling aggressive, lack of energy and the feeling of despair. So it is important to address this issue as soon as possible.

* Make sure after eating to allow at least 2 to 3 hours for your food to digest, before going to bed.

* Doing exercise just before going to bed can raise your body temperature and prevent you from sleeping.

* Try and make your sleeping environment comfortable and as dark as possible. 

* Avoid distressing news or confrontational conversations on the telephone.

* Remove a clock from view. A reminder of the time can cause you to stress and prevent you getting to sleep.

* Consider some relaxing methods such as deep breathing, yoga or meditation.

As part of managing your sleeping difficulties, try and have a relaxing bath using essential oils that have a relaxing effect. Aromatherapy can help to unwind you. Stress is one of the main causes of insomnia. A relaxant effect may be provided by oils of camomile, lavender, neroli, rose, and marjoram. Add a few drops to your bath water or sprinkle a few drops on your pillow. You could even have a cotton wool ball with sweet smelling oils sitting on your bedside table.

Make time for you before going to bed and here's wishing you a very good night zzzzz.

Of course if the symptoms of insomnia continue, do seek the advice from from doctor.