Like many people, I've been having a difficult time sleeping through the night since September 11. As a psychotherapist and health writer, I know that people with depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder often experience difficulty sleeping. But many of us who do not have those problems are still bothered by temporary or intermittent insomnia (difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep).

Of course, even before the recent crisis, sleeping well has been a problem for many Americans. One in three of us don't get enough sleep and approximately two-thirds report a recognizable sleep problem. Increasing numbers of our friends and coworkers are so sleepy that it interferes with their daily activities.

Why is sleep so important? How can you increase the quantity and quality of your sleep? The following websites provide excellent information about sleep ... and how you personally can improve your sleep and general well-being.

Sleep Net www.sleepnet.com Billed as "everything you wanted to know about sleep and were too tired to ask," this is definitely the most extensive, user-friendly, consumer-oriented sleep site around. You can begin with the sleep test to get a personalized evaluation of your sleep habits, search the site for a full range of sleep- related articles and resources, sign-up for their enewsletter, and post in their very active forums.

Talk About Sleep, "Your International Sleep Community"

Like many other sites, Talk About Sleep has a ton of information about sleep and sleep disorders. What distinguishes it from the pack is that in addition to many articles, it features free streaming videos of sleep experts discussing a wide range of topics. Their current news and research reports section is topnotch. Talk About Sleep also sponsors chats and message boards.

National Sleep Foundation

The National Sleep Foundation helps keep the importance of sleep in the public eye. They conduct a yearly poll which is widely quoted in the media in conjunction with Sleep Awareness Week (coming up April 1-7, 2002). This is a great site for comprehensive sleep information. They highlight relevant legislation, research, their annual polls, and ideas for sleep advocates and activists.

Sleep Disorders

Florence Cardinal, the sleep disorders guide at about.com, hosts an extensive and helpful area full of current articles, links, chats, and message boards. You can sign up for her free Sleep Disorders enewsletter which will be delivered to your email box weekly. (I am pleased to report that in her recent article The Top 10 Books About Sleep she included my book, "How To Sleep Soundly Tonight: 250 Simple and Natural Ways to Prevent Sleeplessness").

Books for Sleepless Nights

Medical journalist Lynne Lamberg reviews the most current -- and sometimes controversial -- books about sleep problems and their treatment. Her monthly picks, usually three or four books, have also included books about how to help children to sleep better, poems about insomnia, and a Dr. Seuss selection (The Sleep Book). Although her reviews won't put you to sleep, Lamberg will point you to resources that just might.

And if you are looking for more information about a specific sleep disorder you may want to check out:

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious, extremely common, and highly treatable sleep disorder. The National Institutes of Health estimates that it affects over 12 million Americans. People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. This is caused by a blockage of the airway and is often associated with heavy snoring. The Sleep Apnea Organization will lead you to all the current treatment possibilities and resources.

Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome is characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the limbs, often described as "creepy-crawly" feelings, primarily in the legs but they may also affect the arms and trunk of the body. Sufferers of this oft- misunderstood syndrome can find help through this organization.

Narcolepsy - The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Narcolepsy is a disabling neurological disorder of sleep regulation that affects the control of sleep and wakefulness. The four classic symptoms of the disorder are excessive daytime sleepiness; cataplexy (sudden, brief episodes of muscle weakness or paralysis brought on by strong emotions such as laughter, anger, surprise or anticipation); sleep paralysis (paralysis upon falling asleep or waking up); and hypnagogic hallucinations (vivid dreamlike images that occur at sleep onset).

Disturbed nighttime sleep, including tossing and turning in bed, leg jerks, nightmares and frequent awakenings, may also occur. The disorder is often misdiagnosed, but once correctly identified, narcoleptics can be helped with new medications and support groups described at this site.