Sleepy dust

So, paleo isn't just about food.  It's about stress and...sleep.  Let me tell you, I am a girl who loves my sleep.  My mom used to joke that I could go to sleep anywhere, and a part of me is still like that today.  I prefer a dark, cool room free of noise and distraction, but get me tired enough and I will go out like a light.  I guess I'm lucky in that I've never been one who has a lot of trouble going to sleep.  Typically, I can fall asleep pretty quickly.  Even if I am a little distracted, a chapter in a book and I will be out, but despite this, I don't get enough sleep.  See, I have these two little miniature people who like to keep me from sleeping.  I have a three year old that still doesn't sleep through the night.  On a good night, she just wakes once for something to drink.  Other nights, she has active dreams and is calling out in her sleep.  My 18 month old sleeps better, but is still nursing and wakes whenever her sister wakes up.  Throw in allergies with coughs, teething, and just bad nights, and this momma doesn't get much rest.  On vacation last week, there was a night when I only got 3 hours of sleep.  The 18 month old was sick and I didn't get her down for a good sleep until after 5am.  The 3 year old was up at about 7:45.  But, this is life.  This is my reality.  And, I know that some day I will miss parts of this reality.  It already amazes me how quickly my girls are growing up.  Paleo recommends getting 8 to 9 hours of sleep every night, not waking up with an alarm clock, but as the sun comes up and you wake naturally.  That sounds fantastic!  Unfortunately, for me, it's not feasible.  So, here's what I can do and what I choose to do.  No more staying up late for no real reason, set a bedtime and stick to it.  Keep a regular bedtime routine both for myself and for my girls.  Keep the bedroom dark, free of electronics (can't get my husband to let go of that pesky TV in the bedroom, but can keep it off), quiet, and relaxing.  So, for those who have trouble sleeping, what is it that keeps you up?  My husband is one who starts making to-do lists when he lays down at night.  It often keeps him up for some time.  There are ways to let go of those things, make a written list, do some deep breathing, count sheep (hey, sometimes the monotony works!), or do some relaxation exercises.  I have practiced some relaxation techniques before going to bed in the past.  There is one where you start at your feet, clinching the muscles tightly and letting go, working your way up to your head, with the goal being that you fall asleep before reaching your head.  There's a similar practice of focusing on each body part and imagining it getting heavier and heavier until it sinks into the mattress.  This one is also intended to start at the feet and work up to the head with the goal being to fall asleep before finishing.  How do you do it?  Do you need to unwind before going to bed, or can you just "hit the sack"?