I love a good night's sleep. As a Feng Shui consultant and spiritual coach, I know the importance of deep and restful sleep. Whether in my home or traveling, my nightly intention is ending the day in a comfortable bed, feeling completely relaxed, free from my worries and cares, and for at least seven to eight hours, peacefully drifting into a place of deep and restorative sleep.

My goal is waking in the morning visualizing that every DNA strand, cell, and fiber of my body and soul are restored, renewed, rejuvenated, and remade for another day of work, fun, and family. After years of rearing young children, hitting the sleepless nights of menopause, and building a career, my ongoing mission is helping family, friends and clients to create a peaceful environment for a restful sleep.

When I made the decision to make sleep a priority, I tried over the counter remedies, but didn't like the way I felt in the morning: groggy and unenthusiastic about starting my day. I tried melatonin with some good results, except I'd wake up four hours later and be wide-awake. I also chose not to use any prescription sleep aids.

Feng Shui became my solution for a good night's sleep.Feng Shui is the ancient science and transcendental art of balancing the energies in our immediate environment, such as our home, bedroom and other living spaces (a piece of real estate, a business, etc.) so that our bodies, lives and intentions come into greater harmony with the energies of the earth and the laws of nature. We have a greater chance to achieve our highest potential -- including getting a fantastic night's sleep -- when our "chi," or human life force energy, is in balance and harmony with these energies.

There are many Feng Shui "cures" or remedies for sleep. Feng Shui is both intuitive and intentional. So, if you really want a good night's sleep, take off your shoes and get into your bed and look around. What do you see?

Feng Shui is the ancient art and science of placement. How we place the furnishings in our immediate environment, and then how we place ourselves in the larger environment effects many things, including health, wealth, career, relationships, family, reputation, creativity, talent, children, travel opportunities, helpful people, knowledge and judgment.

So, what's going on around your bed? A major problem I often see with clients having trouble sleeping is clutter both under and around their bed. To sleep peacefully, the energy needs to flow smoothly around you. If there is clutter or stored items under your bed, then the flow of energy is blocked. This can lead to feelings of being stuck or stagnant.

Books or items around your bed that remind you of work will also affect your sleep. To help relax, remove these items from the bedroom before going to sleep. Instead of that pile of books, bills, and blackberry, add a vase of fresh flowers or healthy green plant to enhance your bedroom. Also try placing a pleasing, restful picture directly across from the bed.