Those of us with sleep disorders like insomnia have even more trouble falling asleep due to heat and humidity. It will be even worse this summer as the economy forces many people to turn off the air conditioning. Here are 5 tips to fall asleep more comfortably in the summertime:

1. Keep your home cool during the day by keeping blinds down and curtains drawn. Your bedroom should be dark as a cave during the day.

2. Open windows at nighttime if you don’t have or want to use air conditioning. A ceiling fan can really help insomnia sufferers because of the swooshing sound and cool breeze.

3. Avoid heat build up in the body by reducing activities and drinking plenty of water from late afternoon through dinner.

4. Avoid hot and heavy meals, especially at dinner. Instead, eat cool, refreshing foods like fruits and vegetables.

5. Take a cool shower or bath just before bedtime.

Bonus Tip: When it’s really hot, we sometimes camp out in the coolest room in our house: the basement! Remember, heat rises so 2nd floor bedrooms are always going to be warmer than the main floor and basement. I know it sounds crazy, but the kids love it! And, we all sleep really great because it’s much cooler.