Final answer:
The best advice for someone with occasional insomnia is to limit caffeine, exercise regularly, establish a consistent sleep schedule, and maintain good sleep hygiene. Prescription sleep medication should be used sparingly. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and a conducive sleep environment can also assist in treating insomnia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best advice for a person concerned about occasional insomnia would be to adopt a healthy sleep regimen that includes limiting the use of stimulants such as caffeine, practicing regular physical exercise during the day, and maintaining good sleep hygiene. It is generally not recommended to rely on prescription sleep medication every night. Ongoing insomnia issues affecting quality of life should be addressed with professional treatment, possibly incorporating cognitive-behavioral therapy. Activities stimulating your senses or causing stress should be avoided close to bedtime, for instance, heavy meals or bright screens. On the other hand, establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating an environment conducive to sleep, such as a cool, quiet, and dark room, can be beneficial. If someone is lying awake in bed, it is advised they leave the bed and engage in a quiet activity until they feel sleepy again to prevent associating the bed with wakefulness.
Physical exercise is highly encouraged for improving sleep, but it should be avoided close to bedtime, as it might be counterproductive. Instead, exercising four to eight hours before going to bed could enhance sleep quality.