• Sleeping Pills. Those with short-term sleeping problems get the greatest benefit from sleeping pills. As a general rule, you should take them for the shortest time and in the lowest doses as possible. You must be EXTREMELY careful with sleeping pills; they only remain effective for 2-3 weeks, at which point you may develop a tolerance for (or addiction to) them. Sleeping pills also have side effects, including a "hangover" feeling, motor coordination problems, memory loss, and low levels of alertness.

  • Melatonin. Some regard melatonin as a more attractive alternative to sleeping pills because your pineal gland naturally secretes melatonin in the dark (thank you, evolution). Taking melatonin supplements became popular in the early '90s when doctors found it instrumental to the onset of sleep. As little as .1 milligrams can enhance sleep, so taking 1-3 milligrams an hour or so before bed will surely do the trick. Supposedly, melatonin supplements will not interfere with sleep quality, memory, or next day performance the way that pills do. Furthermore, it does not lose its effectiveness in the long run. You can pick up some tablets in any health food store, but remember that scientists are still testing the effects of the stuff. Melatonin is a hormone, and any teenager can tell you that hormones can get complicated.

  • Herbs. The next suggestion is the herb valerian. Quite popular in Europe and available in health stores, valerian improves sleep quality without causing a hangover effect. Just steep about 300-400 mg of the root in hot water for tea 30 minutes before bedtime. Other popular herbs include skullcap, passion flower, California poppy, and lemon balm.

SoYouWanna know more? Check out our full-length article SYW cure your insomnia?