Insomnia is plaguing more and more people each year and with stresses of our daily lives, it's no surprise. For more than 75% of Americans polled by National Sleep Foundation, getting a good night's sleep feels more like a distant dream than a reality.

The good news is that enjoying a full and healthy night's sleep is easier than you might think. You can improve quality and duration of your sleep without resorting to sleeping pills or other artificial sleep aids. All you need to start your journey towards better sleep are these five simple steps:

Establish a routine

Creating a consistent bedtime routine is one of most important steps you can take towards getting a good night's sleep. Going to bed at same time each night and getting up at same time each morning is first step towards establishing a consistent sleep pattern.

A successful sleep routine also involves reducing outside stimulants like television, computer work and exercise two to three hours before bed, and refraining from caffeine at least three hours before bedtime.

Create a peaceful sleeping environment

Achieving better sleep depends upon a relaxed, peaceful sleeping environment. For best possible sleep, remove distractions such as televisions, stereos and computers from your bedroom. Keep your bedroom temperature cool. Gentle air circulation through an open window and fresh, clean bed linens also help to promote a good night's sleep.

Reduce stress

Thoughts of work, financial problems and family concerns can often prevent a good night's sleep. Try reducing stimulants, using aromatherapy, a warm bath or some deep breathing and relaxation exercises to induce sleep, reduce stress and decrease anxiety that can cause insomnia.

Adjust your diet

Characterized by a tingling, crawling or prickling sensation in legs and feet, restless legs syndrome sufferers experience an overwhelming desire to move their legs in order to find relief. Many sufferers also find that symptoms seem to worsen in late afternoon and evening, especially when sitting or lying down.

Restless legs syndrome can also include instances of periodic limb movement (PLM), a condition characterized by sudden, involuntary movement or twitching of legs and feet – often to extent that it disrupts sleep. It is overwhelming desire to move legs and frequent presences of periodic limb movement that, in large part, earn restless legs syndrome its classification as a sleep disorder.

Chronic instances of restless legs syndrome make it virtually impossible for sufferer to get to sleep, let alone stay asleep, thereby generating a related case of severe insomnia. If left untreated, condition, and resulting insomnia, can lead to severe physical and psychological health problems. In fact, restless legs syndrome is often associated with depression and irritability, as well as occupational, social and marital problems.