The art of counting sheep...

If you could use some help getting to sleep – go ahead and count sheep...

Have you ever actually tried counting sheep to help you doze off? It can really work – especially if you start at 300. The trick is to count backward – by threes. Michael Breus, author of “The Sleep Doctor’s Diet Plan,” says counting backward by threes is complicated enough to push all other thoughts out of your mind – and it’s so boring; you’re bound to get drowsy.

Before you start counting, consider a warm bath or shower. It’s relaxing - and as your body cools off afterward, it triggers the production of melatonin.