March 18th is World Sleep Day and all over the world people will settle in for the night, rest their heads on their pillows and wait for the Sandman to bring them that joyous feeling of a good night's sleep. But then five minutes pass by...

Then another five minutes...

Next thing you know its already midnight and you don't feel tired. Sleep is something we all need as part of a healthy lifestyle. It allows our skin and hair to heal. For students, sleep is important to the brain to keep it sharp. A necessity when test day comes around. So what are you doing wrong? Why can't you just seem to get those eight hours of sleep?

Antonio Culebras, organizer of World Sleep Day 2016, a global initiative educating the public about sleep provides a list of mistakes people make when it comes to sleep habits.

1. Those fancy gadgets are all on!

The light from TVs, your computers, cellphones and other devices are in fact keeping your brain alert and blocking it from releasing a chemical named Melatonin that is critical to achieving sleep.

The best remedy to this light is to turn off the source 30 minutes before you intend to sleep. This gives your brain time to relax in a suitable area with no pesky lights.

2. You knocked back one too many!

Every so often a shot of whiskey or a beer is just what you need when you need to unwind. Coincidentally, its the last thing you need when you are trying to sleep.

The alcohol effects the chemicals in your brain, like the Melatonin mentioned earlier. Due to the chemicals typically used in producing effective sleep getting disrupted from the alcohol it hinders you from sleeping into that deep sleep your body needs. Maybe that glass of warm milk works better then that glass of wine you have stored in your fridge?

3. You're waking up at noon!

Everyone loves that day when you don't have to wake up early. So what do you feel like doing? You sleep in! You keep hitting that snooze bottom and next thing you know its the afternoon!

This is actually effecting your body's internal clock that regulates its process, this includes sleep. Waking up early exposes you to morning light and aids in setting that internal clock to a healthy schedule.

Another thing to avoid is naps! Taking a hour nap between classes may seem tempting but it actually makes it harder to maintain sleep at night. The important thing is having a fixed day/night schedule for your brain and body. This allows you effectively sleep and wake up properly.

4. You are S-T-R-E-S-S-E-D!

Deadlines! Kids! Family! Bills! Work!

We all experience the same pains in life and they are always on our mind. This stress won't help you sleep. Sleep is meant for your body and mind to relax so carrying your worries to bed with you won't help.

Best thing to do is take some time before heading to bed is to relax. Pray, meditate, breathe or just RELAX! Relax, being that key word. It will improve your sleep.

5. You've become a couch potato!

That work out you say you should be doing...You actually should do. Working out provides beneficial effects for the body even when you sleep. It allows your body to expend some energy!

It is important to exercise well before, about 6 hours, heading to bed. Working out gets your body alert and overheated that would prevent sleep.

Instead of taking a nap between classes or going to the bar, take a jog around the block or hit the gym.

6. You're not getting laid!

Getting a little action is something we could all use but studies show that having sex can actually bring about some beneficial sleep habits. It could become a form of exercise depending on the time of day.

Maybe take out two birds with one stone; grab your significant other and "exercise!"

7. Your drink isn't hot enough!

A hot non-alcoholic beverage is the perfect way to relax the body. Just before you want to head to bed, around 30 minutes prior, take that time to enjoy a mug of warm non-caffeinated tea (NOT COFFEE). Don't drink too much otherwise you'll get woken up by a full bladder.

Soda, alcohol, anything with fizz or caffeine within six hours of sleeping will give your body a buzz and prevent you from sleeping.

8. The silence is deafening!

Some people can get to sleep just by being in a quiet room. Others might not be so lucky. Instead of laying there in silence, try a bit of peaceful music.

Don't go blasting heavy rock or metal music. Something that's easy on the ears. Maybe even invest in one of those white noise machines just to help take the edge off.

The soothing sounds of relaxing song can ease your mind into a decent night's sleep.

9. You are too quick to reach for that bottle of pills!

That sleeping pill might work in getting you to sleep but they also have unintended outcomes on your sleep cycles. Your body needs natural sleep that it is naturally going to achieve if you let it.

The reason you aren't sleeping may be from a variety of other reasons and taking a sleeping pill may be doing more harm then good. Don't self-medicate! Consult a trained physician who can give some better directions in determining your sleep issues.

10. You made it complicated!

Sleep is the end goal but don't make it complicated. Some times the best method is the easiest. Go to sleep.