Need sleep? Aerobic exercise is key

Surely, you've heard it before: Exercise helps you sleep. Yep. But any old exercise won't do. It's got to be cardio.

Aerobic exercise is best if you're trying to lull yourself to sleep at night. Think cardio – not weight training – and make it moderate. You don't want to get too hot and sweaty, but you do want to get moving.

One recent study of volunteers with insomnia showed that exercise helped the sleepy heads fall asleep more quickly, wake up less often during the night, and increase their total sleep time after they walked or jogged on a treadmill for 50 minutes a few hours before bedtime.

Ready for the sandman to pay you a lengthy visit? Lace up those shoes and get going. Consider these gallery tips for a good night's sleep too.