ANXIETY: SWEET, ELUSIVE SLEEP

If you know you have trouble sleeping, here's what to do: Find out if you have a physical problem such as sleep apnea (which interrupts breathing during sleep). If you're physically fine, go to bed and get up at a regular time every day, stay away from caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, develop sleep rituals and avoid bright lights in the bedroom. Good sleep produces good dreams. "You'll work better, feel sharper, actually be more creative," says Cartwright. No wonder they say that dreams are sweet.

WITH PAT WINGERT

© 2004