Rather than turning to sleeping aids when you can't sleep, why not try a more natural approach and give yoga a chance. Many people feel they don't have the time in their busy lives to dedicate to yoga, but you will be surprised how much just one or two simples moves can help you relax and fall into a deep sleep.

Yoga is a truly ancient practise and yogis believe the mind and body should be treated as one. Now with today's modern pace of life so many people dismiss things such as yoga as something they don't possibly have time for. It doesn't have to take up much of your time, and it doesn't have to be something that is done for hours at a time either. The benefits of yoga can be felt just by doing one or two simple moves or poses, allowing your body to fully breathe and relax. Yoga also provides a gentle internal massage for all your organs which in turn leads to better health, both physical and mental.

Here are a couple of easy moves that can really help you switch off at the end of the day and get you off into a deep refreshing sleep. It is important to remember that you shouldn't try any yoga sooner than 2 hours after eating, you should not attempt it if you have been drinking alcohol or if you are pregnant and have never done yoga before.

The corpse pose is a pose that is used to end most yoga classes and is a great way to end your day. Lie in bed, flat on your back and relax. Then focus on your toes feeling warm and relaxed, then move to your feet, ankles, calves, knees all the way up your body right through to your neck face and head. All the while you are doing this breathe gently and slowly through your nose, and once you have relaxed your entire body just lie still, focussing on your breathing if you find your mind trying to wander. Try and stay relaxed for 2 minutes to start with, longer if you feel able - you will eventually be able to stay in this wonderfully relaxed state until you find you have drifted off to sleep.

Another lovely pose is the childs pose. Kneel down, sitting on your bum, breathe in through your nose and gently lower your head to the floor, allowing your arms to rest by your legs, palm up. Do not strain to get into this position, just go as far as you can, with practise you will find your head touches the floor with ease. Stay in this position for up to 30 seconds, breathing gently through your nose as you relax, as you return to an upright position inhale deeply and when you are fully upright exhale fully.

Just give one or both of these a try if you find yourself lying in bed awake at night, before you reach for the sleeping aids, you may well be pleasantly surprised at the results.