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It's important to have a quality health insurance plan that meets your needs. But just as important to your health and sanity is making sure you get enough sleep. Here are some tips from Esurance on getting the most out of your night's rest.

There is some dispute regarding exactly how long the average human can go without sleep. Over the years, a number of bleary-eyed claimants have sought the world record and their times have ranged from 264 hours to 449 hours (or nearly 19 days!). But regardless of how long we can go, most of us will admit that we need our sleep and don't like to get to get too far behind.

In an effort to get the sleep we need, we are often forced to resort to strange and sometimes even downright risky measures. Yet sleep can remain elusive no matter how many sheep we count or glasses of wine we have. And since even moderate sleep deprivation can lead to slowed reflexes and sub-par driving, Esurance has put together a few tips to help you get the shut eye you need.

How much sleep is enough? Though 8 hours per night is generally enough for most adults, according to the National Sleep Foundation, there's no magical amount. Pay attention to how rejuvenated you feel the next day to determine the right amount of sleep for you.

Talk to your physician. Failure to get a good night's rest may be the result of a medical condition. Your doctor can help determine if you have a sleep disorder and what kind of treatment is needed. Make sure you tell your doctor about any medications you're taking, prescription or over-the-counter, because these may be the culprit.

Give your room a makeover. Your bedroom should be reserved for sleeping and it's important that you feel relaxed within these four walls. This means keeping the telephone, computer and TV in another room (or covering them when not in use if you're short on space). You may also want to remove any other potential stresses such as work documents or important papers. In essence, don't keep your bills on the nightstand; store them elsewhere!

Learn how to wind down. Good sleepers typically rely on a bedtime routine. Research shows that a bath or shower before bed can help as does exercising earlier in the evening. Meditating or reading may ease you into a sleepy state as well.

Stop worrying. Easier said than done, but not sleeping only exacerbates your worrying. Most problems cannot be solved overnight, but you can take action. Record your thoughts on paper; set a goal to solve the problem; and, as Scarlett O'Hara was fond of saying, tell yourself “I'll think about that tomorrow.”

Get your mind off sleeping. Instead of tossing and turning, read a book, listen to a meditation CD, or watch a non-violent movie so you can at least relax. TV shows may be more disruptive due to commercials and shorter storylines, but reading a book or watching a movie can help to slow down your brain, thereby making it possible to fall asleep.

Simplify your life. Many of us are thrown a curveball at one time or another. However, implementing positive changes, no matter how small, often makes us feel better, which, in turn, may result in improved sleep. Consider keeping a gratitude journal by your bed to help you appreciate your life as it is or else to inspire you to make the necessary changes.

Take the natural approach. Certain herbal teas, such as chamomile, may help you relax, as does misting your pillows with a lavender-infused linen spray. Supplements containing calcium, magnesium, and zinc are known to induce better REM sleep. As always, consult a physician first.

Don't rely on alcohol. You probably know to stay away from caffeine, but many of us believe in the "nightcap" approach to bedtime, thinking a drink or two will help us fall asleep. The truth is you likely won't get the much needed deep sleep once the sedative effects of the alcohol wear off.

Still can't sleep? Be patient. Developing a new sleep routine usually involves trial and error. Keep trying and keep your physician informed. If your doctor prescribes sleeping pills, be aware of the side effects and use only as a short-term solution.

While getting the sleep you need is an important part of taking care of your health, remember also to make sure you have a health insurance policy that fits your needs. You can compare quotes and buy your policy online from our partner eHealthInsurance, a leading online source for individual and family health insurance. Get a quote online today.