Having trouble dropping off at night? You're not alone. Around 62% of us suffer broken sleep, according to recent research for bed company Sealy. But don't lie awake fretting: we've found 10 great supplements and gadgets, designed to help you have a good night's kip...

By Jane Murphy

What is it? A herbal supplement taken in tablet form.

How does it work? Rather than inducing sleep directly, valerian - which is also used to treat mild depression - helps calm the brain and body, so sleep can occur naturally. What's more, it won't leave you feeling groggy in the morning - unlike many prescription remedies.

Where can I get it? £7.95 for 60 tablets from www.naturesbest.co.uk.

What is it? A mixture of flower essences, taken in dropper or spray form.

How does it work? Bach Rescue Night combines White Chestnut with five of the Bach flower essences found in its stress-busting Rescue Remedy. White Chestnut is believed to free the mind from fretful and repetitive thoughts - so it's perfect if you struggle to wind down after a stressful day.

Where can I get it? £5.25 for a 10ml dropper; £8.05 for a 20ml spray; from good chemists and supermarkets nationwide.

What is it? Nightwear made from special heat-release fabric.

How does it work? No, it's not just a pretty nightie: the impressive-sounding Heat Release Technology ensures the fabric pulls moisture away from the body then allows it to evaporate at a rate that's four times faster than cotton. The result? Undisturbed sleep. This one's particularly good for menopausal or pregnant women who tend to get overheated at night.

Where can I get it? £24.95 from www.coolsleepwear.co.uk

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What is it? A light projector that sits on your bedside table.

How does it work? Created by one-time insomniac designer Kate Evans, the LightSleeper works by projecting a light on to the ceiling in a controlled, circular motion. Following it with your eyes encourages the mind to relax into a good night's sleep. It switches off automatically after 30 minutes.

Where can I get it? £125 from www.lightsleeper.co.uk

What is it? A herbal mixture taken in liquid form.

How does it work? This unique blend of calming herbs contains sleep-inducing passion flower, chamomile and oats. It's particularly good for anyone who's allergic to valerian - and makes a great alternative to tablets.

Where can I get it? £8.50 for 100ml from www.napiers.net.

What is it? A mixture of homeopathic remedies, taken as tablets.

How does it work? Noctura contains six homeopathic remedies, all of which are thought to help calm the mind and promote sound sleep. You can also take them to help you nod off again if you wake up in the middle of the night.

Where can I get it? £4.60 for 72 tablets from www.nelsonshomeopathy.com

What is it? A roll-on blend of essential oils.

How does it work? The hand-blended combination of tranquil lavender, comforting bergamot and serene ylang-ylang oils helps soothe away your worries and induce a relaxed, ready-for-sleep state. Simply glide it over your pulse points (such as wrists and temples) to encourage tranquil slumber.

Where can I get it? £4.50 for 10ml from Boots

What is it? A chocolate and pumpkin seed snack (yes, really).

How does it work? The secret lies in the pumpkin seeds: they're a natural source of essential amino acid tryptophan, which metabolises into serotonin, which turns into melatonin at night and helps us fall asleep naturally. The tasty snacks also contain a small amount of high-GI carbs, which shunt the other amino acids towards the liver - leaving tryptophan to get on with its job in the brain.

Where can I get it? £11.95 for 10 from www.restbites.co.uk

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What is it? An oil-rich pillow spray.

How does it work? You simply mist it on to your pillow at bedtime and leave the mix of essential oils to do its job: lavandin helps calm and relax the body, mandarin balances your mood and chamomile comforts and soothes.

Where can I get it? £5 for 50ml from Marks & Spencer stores nationwide.

What is it? A Chinese herbal tea.

How does it work? Easynight contains a blend of exotic flowers, all of which are thought to help promote sound sleep. Albizzia helps banish worries and anxieties from the mind; lily bulb helps calm the spirit; and chrysanthemum helps dispel any heat that may be stopping you from settling down.

Where can I get it? £1.99 for 20 tea bags from supermarkets, health stores and www.birtandtang.co.uk