The more you can do to relax ahead of time, the better you’ll rest. Try taking a warm bath (lavender bath oil is soothing), read a book, turn down the lights and listen to soft music, drink warm milk or one of the herbal teas made specially for bedtime. If you have small children, schedule an earlier bedtime for them so you can have some much-needed time to unwind at the end of your day. You deserve it!
Prevent interruptions.
Just as bright lights or daylight can wake you up in the morning, so can turning on the bathroom light if you get up at night. Use a soft nightlight instead. Falling asleep in front of the TV also keeps you from resting thoroughly; your mind continues to monitor the TV sounds even after you fall asleep. Set the timer on your TV to shut it off automatically or better still, don’t have a TV in your bedroom. If outside noises are a problem, try headphones and a tape or CD with soothing nature sounds. If your mattress is uncomfortable, invest in a new pillow-top mattress cover or as a cheaper alternative, try one of the egg crate foam toppers.
Investigate new alarm devices.
There are lots of alarm alternatives on the market including ones that gradually make the room lighter to simulate daylight; some of them even include morning sounds of birds chirping. You might try alternating alarm clocks, too, so you won’t get used to hearing the same sound and sleep through it
Start moving.
Arranging to get up a few minutes before the rest of the household will give you some quiet time to prepare -- and you'll get the bathroom all to yourself! Try putting your alarm clock on the other side of the room so you have to get out of bed to turn it off. Once you’re up, you can head to the bathroom on “automatic pilot” to brush your teeth and wash your face. The tingling toothpaste taste and cool water will help wake you.
Organize your surroundings.
Take five minutes to make your bed, open the curtains, put clothes and personal items in their proper places. Organizing may inspire you to do more, and a neat room gives a feeling of well-being.