Many people in modern western society suffer from various kinds of sleep disorders, or even simply sleep deprivation. With our busy, always-on lifestyles, sleep is usually the first thing to go. We've all heard doctors, therapists, and our mothers telling us to sleep more - but sometimes that's just not possible. But there are options for improving the quality of your sleep, even if you can't squeeze in a few more hours' worth of sleep.

First of all, make sure that you have the right mattress for your body type and lifestyle. It's a good idea to get a large, comfortable bed, especially if you share your bed with a partner - this way there is plenty of room for both people to move around and find a comfortable place during the night. As well, larger mattresses transmit less of one partner's movement over to the other side of the bed, allowing you to sleep better all night long. Be sure to get the largest mattress that is within your price range, as long as it will fit properly into your bedroom.

Don't hesitate to try out a variety of mattresses. Get familiar with what is meant by "firm," "soft," and "extra-soft." Decide what level of firmness suits yourself and your partner. Try out the latest hypoallergenic memory foam mattresses so that you can decide if such an option would be comfortable for you. Whether you plan to buy online or from a mattress retailer, it's a good idea to go out and try out a number of mattress sizes, types, and firmness levels.

There are a variety of other choices as well - some new studies suggest that a glass of wine in the evening may actually help you to sleep better. Herbal supplements such as melatonin have been demonstrated to improve sleep quality, but never take a supplement or medication without first consulting your physician. Remember that you do have many options for improving your quality of sleep, even if you don't have the time to sleep for a few more hours each night. Waking up well-rested and refreshed is certainly worth the extra effort!