I usually stick to movies and sports on this website, but there are a few other things I consider myself knowledgeable in. One of those is the many facets of sleep. I've gone through it all. I've had phases where I can't sleep for a minute, where I sleep 14 hours, where I wake up 4 times in my sleep, and where I just get so distracted I don't go to bed until 4 am. So today I'm going to give you my top 5 ways to sleep better and get there faster.

#5: Counting
I've never really bought into this tactic, but every once in a while. Just maybe, sometimes, it actually does work. And it's one of the most storied techniques to fall asleep out there so it belongs on the list. The real reason this works is because the biggest reason people have problems sleeping is the clutter going on in their head. So, focusing on a repetitive task can help you become sleepy. Doesn't work for me, but maybe it will for you.

#4: Hit Your Head
This may surprise some people, but I guarantee you it will work. If you just can't seem to get tired and you need to go to sleep, punch yourself in the head. Seriously, it works. Do it hard enough that you get dizzy and then just lay down. You've got plenty of brain cells and you're doing more harm to your body staying up all night. This method has worked for me during times of extreme sleep problems. It will work for you, but you just need to trust it. As crazy as it sounds.

#3: Listen To Relaxing Music
A very effective way to get tired. Pick something without words, be it classical or Jake Shimabukuro. Turn everything off in your room and just focus all your attention on the music. Don't sing along. Just relax and listen. It will take 5-30 minutes to fall asleep if you are doing it right.

#2: Take A Pill
There are so many over-the-counter medications you can take to battle your sleeping problems. Just keep in mind that people die from these things. Take the right amount because that is all you are going to need. Some good meds are Ambien or Sonata. Some people just take some Tylenol PM or another cold medicine that knocks you out. It's not hard to get your hands on this stuff, just make sure you keep it easy to take your hands off.

#1: Get Your Frickin' Life In Order
This is guaranteed the number 1 reason people can't sleep. When your life is in shambles, your sleep suffers. It's an obvious correlation. I've had periods where I just can't stand the way things are going and it'll just dominate my brain. When you think too much, you don't sleep. And this just compounds your issues. So either spend one long night putting everything back together. Or even better, spend that day getting it back together so you can sleep comfortably at night. If this doesn't apply to you, then just move everything up a spot. But I would be willing to bet if you can't sleep there is something troubling you. Try to at least ease the situation. Easier said than done, I know!

Hopefully I introduced you to a new idea or two. If not, the just stay tuned for my next post about the top 10 or so sex scenes in movie history! Also, reviews of 21, Stop-Loss, and maybe something else are on the way.