Experts say that getting enough sleep is one of the best things you can do to improve your health. It can seem easy to fall asleep, but many Americans have trouble sleeping.

The following is an extract from the National Sleep FoundationThe average American sleeps for six hours and 55 minutes each night, while 15% of adults sleep less than six hours.

“Lack of sleep can take a significant toll on your overall health and interfere with some of your daily activities,”Dr. Michael Thorpy, the director of The Sleep-Wake Disorders Center at Montefiore Medical Center New York, said the statement.

While almost everyone experiences difficulty sleeping, many Americans have trouble falling asleep or waking up at night.

These symptoms could be signs of insomnia. According to National Sleep Foundation, insomnia can be defined as difficulty falling asleep at night or staying asleep during the day. It may also cause you to feel tired when you wake up each morning.

There are many ways that insomnia can affect you. Some sufferers struggle to fall asleep at night, while others experience difficulty falling asleep.

These simple tips will help you sleep better, according to Dr. Thorpy.

* Set and stick to a sleep schedule. Set a regular time for your bedtime and wake up.

* Set aside time at night to “wind down.”Be quiet before you go to bed. You may find it difficult to fall asleep by watching TV, working on the computer, or doing other activities in the bedroom.

* Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.

* Exercise regularly. Do not exercise too hard near bedtime. Before you start an exercise program, make sure to consult your doctor.

* Don’t clock-watch. You shouldn’t be awake in the middle or late of the night and lie down staring at the clock. Don’t look at the TV, or use your cell phone or laptop, as these technologies stimulate the brain and make it harder to go to sleep.

If you’re still having trouble with the above tips, consult your healthcare professional for help. They can help determine if you have insomnia and prescribe treatment.

You can find more information about insomnia at the National Sleep Foundation website. www.sleepfoundation.org.