Not everyone who struggles with sleep has always been a poor sleeper. Sure, some people say they have struggled their whole life. But others are naturally good sleepers who one day just stop being able to sleep. It’s like a switch has flipped, and this switch, which they normally can flip to sleep deeply every night, suddenly turns faulty.

I have been working with people to improve their sleep for over a decade. This process has taught me that no matter what you might think, there are no hopeless cases. You might think you are a poor sleeper for life, but that can be changed! Good sleep is our birthright and essential to a healthy mind and body. I have had many clients coming to me feeling like they have tried everything.

These days, everyone and his dog seems to have a suggestion for improving your sleep. The reality is, however, when you have insomnia —chronic or long-term difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep—even medical sleep specialists find it difficult to treat.

As a sleep coach, I’ve long been aware of the importance of quality sleep, but I must confess to having downplayed the role of beds and bedding in the good sleep puzzle.