1. A wandering mind. Meditate, do yoga, or practice breathing exercises before bed. They will take your mind off the tensions of the day and prepare you for a restful night. “That’s the secret behind the old remedy of counting sheep,” says Richard Evans, a sleep laboratory technician and certified hypnotherapist. “You focus your mind on something relaxing and immediately forget about everything else that causes tension and tends to keep you awake.” You can also try keeping a journal and making a habit out of jotting down all the day’s worries before going to sleep. Seeing them down on paper is great therapy and it will ease your mind.

2. Too much work. Make your bedroom a work-free zone. No laptops, planners, or appointment books allowed beyond the door.

3. Going to bed too early. If you have been in bed for more than 30 minutes and still can’t fall asleep, get up and do something else until you start feeling sleepy again. “Choose a boring activity,” says Evans. “Read an old college textbook or watch the worst movie you can find on TV.”