Three Tricks to Fall Asleep Faster

Or crack a window. The buildup of carbon dioxide in your bedroom at night as you exhale can trigger restless sleep. Luckily, the remedy is as easy as opening your bedroom door. In a recent study this simple move dialed down carbon dioxide levels by 36 percent by increasing air circulation, leading volunteers to fall asleep faster and enjoy more restorative rest.

Raw honey or honeycomb enhance relaxation and sleep. Low glucose or glycogen levels sometimes cause people to wake up from a deep sleep. A bedtime snack of raw honey or honeycomb stabilizes glucose and glycogen levels to avoid waking up in the middle of the night. Honey also raises insulin levels slightly to trigger a release of tryptophan, the amino acid found in turkey that causes drowsiness after Thanksgiving dinner — the body changes tryptophan into serotonin, one of the neurotransmitters responsible for regulating mood and sleep.

Using electronic devices late at night is terrible for sleep. Watching TV, playing video games, using a cell phone, and social networking can make it significantly harder for you to fall and stay asleep. It's recommended that you put away all electronics at least an hour before sleep so you can ensure a quiet place, free of distractions.