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Your Anti-Insomnia Kit

When you wake up at 3 a.m., it helps to have prepared relaxing activities ahead of time, says Dr. Ash. Put these in the next room:

• A simple sewing or crafts project, especially knitting or needlepoint
• A journal or notebook, with pen
• Crossword puzzles and pencil
• Magazines or a book that is pleasant but not a page-turner
• Soft, new age-type music and headphones

Why These Help "The back-and-forth movement of your eyes as you knit, sew, read, or write helps trigger neuro-controls for sleep," says Dr. Ash. The sound of soft music is relaxing. "Go back to bed the minute you feel drowsy, not before. You want to teach your brain that the bedroom is a calm, comfortable environment for rest."