What’s keeping you awake at night? The lousy economy or money issues? Maybe you’re concerned about losing your job or just lost your job.

Sleep is the time that your body restores and maintains itself. Think of it like rebooting your computer. Here are five tips that may help you get a better night’s sleep:

1. Just like you may have a workout routine, have a bedtime routine and keep regular sleep times. Your body craves a sleep routine and gets into a rhythm. Remember, there’re TIVO and DVRs so you don’t have to stay up all night to catch your favorite shows! Once in a rhythm, your body will begin to let you know it’s tired and ready for sleep at about the same time each night.
2. Exercise, yes this includes sex, improves sleep. Try to get in some exercise during the day but make sure to finish a couple of hours before you turn in so you’re not wired and unable to sleep.
3. You’ll love this one. Don’t go to bed hungry. Try a light carb snack like a piece of fruit.
4. Nix the caffeine by mid afternoon so it doesn’t keep you awake.
5. Make sure your bedroom is dark, cool, quiet and comfortable. Make your bedroom inviting for a great night’s rest. Remember this is the place where you escape whatever it is that stresses you out. Create your own personal bedtime ritual. Try using aromatherapy or a warm bubble bath. Listen to your favorite relaxing music or read a book. But give your laptop, work materials and other such distractions the boot. Your bedroom is your place to chill, not get worked up again and be too stressed to sleep.

Did you know that one-third of Americans are losing sleep over the state of the U.S. economy and other personal financial concerns? This is according to a poll released in March 2009 by the National Sleep Foundation. What’s keeping you up at night? Tell me.

Want a more in-depth discussion of sleep? Listen to this week’s podcast.

Listen to this week’s podcast