I'm Sarah Bernier Olin, a stress reduction and mediation expert. You've probably heard—and know from experience-- that a dark room is best for sleep. But one reason you may be having trouble sleeping is because you're not getting enough light! Light exposure during the day can actually help regulate your natural sleep/wake cycle and help you feel properly drowsy at night. If your sleep pattern is a bit "off," think about Bright Light Therapy. To do it, you sit in front of a small light box that shines a very high fluorescent light that simulates natural light. Bright Light Therapy has been proven to effectively treat some types of depression -- like seasonal affective disorder - and other conditions. It can also help re-synch your body's natural rhythms based on a 24 hour cycle of light and darkness. Remember that not all light is created equal. Light from TVs, laptops and cell phones can actually keep you awake if you bring them into the bedroom when it's time to wind down. If you're having trouble falling asleep most nights, it could be because you're just not soaking up enough sunshine during the day -- maybe due to the nature of your job, where you live or the season. You don't need a prescription to purchase a light box, but it's a good idea to consult an expert before starting this kind of treatment. You'll want to know how to do it right, and to make sure some other medical condition isn't the cause of your sleepless nights. Talk to your doctor about whether a light box might be right for you.