i recognize that this is such an old thread, but here are some VIPTIPs for getting good rest! ;)

sleep on your left side (for some reason, the way your organs are configured this relieves some stress on your lungs and is a recommended technique for those with sleep apnea)

Avoid alcohol for weeks when you need restful sleep. Alcohol inhibits the process of REM sleep, and REM sleep is what makes sleep restful. The thing is, you'll have longer periods of REM sleep the day after you have inhibited sleep.

Go to bed an hour early sometimes! You'd be surprised how a single hour can improve the following day's functioning.

Move your clocks out of your field of sight in bed. If you're preoccupied with the time then you'll never get to sleep. Preferrably set it on the other side of the room, so if the alarm is set you have to get up out of bed to turn it off.