The following article was kindly written and contributed by Lewis Robinson.

A good night's sleep — something that everyone needs, yet not something that everyone gets.

Whether it's staring at the ceiling with a million thoughts running through your head or repeatedly turning the pillow over to find the cooler side, it's all too common for sleep to be disrupted. Since sleep is so important to your overall health, prioritising it is one of the best things you can do for your body. Read on for five things you can do to improve your chances of getting those critical eight hours of shut eye.

1. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol

While you probably already know that a cup of caffeinated tea or a nightcap isn't the best way to start your bedtime routine, are you adhering to that? Setting boundaries — such as no caffeinated beverages after a certain time, or limiting yourself to one glass of wine in the earlier part of the evening — can be part of the perfect layup for a stimulant free sleep. Try treating yourself to a soothing cup of chamomile tea instead for instant relaxation and a boost of hydration, too.

2. Follow a Program

For some, following a program is the best way to meet a goal. And since stress levels, weight management and exercise are all tied to the quality of your sleep, supplementing through a program could very well get you where you'd like to be. Doing your own research prior to adding any supplements to your routine is a must, and reading le-vel thrive reviews could be beneficial in your decision process as well. If flexibility and variety in a program are appealing to you, this might be a good option. And as always, don't forget to check in with your doctor first.

3. Move Your Body

In order to keep your body working like a well oiled machine, you need to move it in some way every single day. Whether it's a walk during your lunch break or a quick workout video before the kids get up, any form of exercise is a great way to balance yourself out, regulate hormones and prepare your body for the rejuvenating process it undergoes while resting. Exercise can also help to decrease stress, another classic culprit of sleep disruption. Don't overthink this — you don't need to train like an athlete, you just need to move your body.

4. Unplug in the Bedroom

When you get in bed, is it your phone you're snuggling with? Do you swear you need to watch television in bed in order to fall asleep? If that's you and you're waking up in the morning feeling anything but refreshed and well rested — it's time for a change and it's time to unplug. Electronics emit blue light, which can wreak havoc on your brain as it's trying to settle down for the night. Of course, making your bedroom a screen-free zone will be an adjustment. But keep your eye on the prize — the improved sleep you'll get will be more than worth it.

5. Don't Toss and Turn

Who hasn't been in the throes of nighttime tossing and turning before? The bottom line is, it's miserable and frustrating and watching the hours tick by when you know you should be sleeping is the absolute worst. What can you do about it? If it goes on for longer than half an hour, get out of bed. Break the cycle. Find something to take your mind off of the fact that you can't fall asleep — as long as it doesn't stimulate you more. Curling up with a book in the living room could be just what you need.

Improving your sleep can and will take some time, but luckily there are so many things you can do every day that will get you there. Stay consistent, listen to your body and make it a priority. Sleep well!