If you have a hard time falling and staying asleep, you're not alone. While there are many causes of insomnia, the good news is that there are a variety of simple and inexpensive remedies for the situation. Here are six tips for a good night's sleep that you can try today.

1. Establish a regular night-time routine.

Some people read or write in a journal before going to bed. Doing the same activity every evening before bedtime can help you to psychologically prepare for falling asleep. Also, you should go to bed at the same time each night so you can train your body to always get tired at that time.

2. Ditch your electronic devices.

The blue light from electronic devices can interfere with sleep cycles. So, many experts recommend not using these devices for at least 90 minutes prior to going to bed. Designate that period as a "device-free" time that you can use to do other things to prepare for sleep. And, be sure to keep your devices out of the bedroom, as their blue light can still affect you even when you're not looking directly at them.

3. Use an eye mask.

If you've traveled on an airplane, you've probably seen people wearing eye masks. You can use an eye mask at home, too. Some people are very sensitive to light and cannot fall asleep unless their bedroom is completely dark, so an eye mask could be very helpful if there is light coming into your room from outside sources or nearby electronic devices.

4. Exercise.

One of the many benefits of exercise is that it helps to promote healthy sleep. Exercising burns off excess stress and energy, leaving you ready to relax. If possible, spend at least half an hour per day exercising, and try to finish at least three hours before going to bed.

5. Cultivate relaxation.

If you're stressed or worried about something, and it's keeping you from getting a good night's sleep, then you can take action before you go to bed. Make relaxation part of your evening routine. For example, you could take a warm bath, meditate, read a funny book or magazine article, or do anything that helps you to relax. It can be hard to banish worries, but if you're able to put them aside just for the night, you'll wake up feeling refreshed and more capable of confronting them the next morning.

6. Track your sleep duration and quality

Like any skill you're trying to improve, it's useful to track how long you are sleeping as well as the quality of your sleep if possible. With an assist from new wearable technology, today's sleep tracking devices can measure everything from your heart rate while sleeping to stopped breathing events to sleep duration and even the percentage of your time spent sleeping on your side (vs. back or stomach).

7. Read or listen to something boring before going to sleep.

Have you ever fallen asleep while reading a boring textbook or listening to a dull talk show? If so, you might have found your solution to insomnia. Reading about the latest updates to the federal tax code might not be your idea of fun, but it could help you nod off. Some people listen to a podcast before bed, and even if the podcast is interesting, the soothing sound of the narrator's voice can cause drowsiness, the way a child can get sleepy while listening to a parent read a bedtime story.

Insomnia can be frustrating, but there are many natural methods that can effectively combat it. Try these tips for a good night's sleep, and stop counting sheep.