Insomnia affects many people at some stage in their life. People are particularly prone during holiday times as there is so much more going on - parties to attend, parties to host, larger crowds, tight deadlines, potential travel, increasing prices and family visits can all take their toll. Stress levels during any holiday period tend to increase, making it difficult to sleep. So how can you fight insomnia?

1. Don't stay up too late! As tempting as it might be, try not to alter your normal sleep schedule too much. If you're normally in bed by 11pm, try to make sure that during the holiday period you don't change this habit by more than an hour, otherwise you'll find that your body clock will go on strike.

2. Don't sleep in! I know, what else are holiday's for? In reality, if you spend your holiday period lazing around in bed, then you'll find it ten times more difficult to get back into a normal routine when it's time to go back to your regular schedule. But if you sleep in, you'll then find it more difficult to go to sleep at a reasonable hour the following night. Add an extra hour to the alarm clock if you have to, and if you're still tired, try taking one or two 20 minute power naps during the day.

3. Don't indulge in drinking too much alcohol. Alcohol dehydrates you, and for many people, it acts as a stimulant. If you overindulge, you might initially feel sleepy, but you'll probably wake up or will only sleep fitfully as your body is dehydrated.

4. Don't over eat. If you eat too much, or too late at night, your body will still be trying to process the food when you're ready to sleep. You're body can't shut down into sleep mode while it's still trying to digest the food you ate.

5. Stick to your regular routine. If you normally read before bed, then try to read at least a page of a book, even if you've gotten home late. If you always wash your face, brush your teeth and organize your clothes for the next day, don't skip these steps just because it's the holidays. By following your normal routine, your body recognizes that it's time to begin shutting down.

6. Exercise during the day. The increase of oxygen and blood flow will help you to sleep better at night. Just make sure that you don't exercise in the hour before going to bed or the adrenalin running through you body will make it difficult to fall asleep. Many doctors actually recommend that you don't exercise in the three hours before you would normally go to bed.

7. Find some relaxation techniques that work for you. Some people find that a hot bath helps to relax them. Others meditate. Some find that a hot chocolate works. Find what works for you, and utilize it.

8. Try aromatherapy. Placing some essential oils on your pillow or in an oil burner before bed can create a calming, soothing environment. Lavender, chamomile and marjoram all have soothing qualities, so depending on your preference try using one, or a combination of the three to help you drift off to sleep.

9. If you can't sleep, get up. Lying in bed worrying about a problem or issue is only going to make you more tense. Get up, write down whatever it is that is bothering you and then try again.

10. Only use your bed for sleeping. If you have work that needs to be done during the holiday period, it can be tempting to sit it bed and do it. Don't give into this temptation though. Keep your work out of the bedroom to help condition yourself into thinking that a bed is for sleeping.

Family and professional obligations during holiday periods can make it more difficult to keep a regular schedule, but where possible, try to retain your normal sleep pattern. If you are late getting home, make sure you take 20 - 30 minutes to unwind before jumping into bed to avoid the situation of laying down and then having the whole day or events of the evening running through your head and preventing you from sleeping.