Consistency is the most important part. You need to reset your internal clock to get used to going to sleep and waking up at the same time. Even though it sucks at first -- you may have trouble falling asleep and then getting up early you'll still be tired -- you have to muddle through to get on a regular sleep schedule. Eventually, your body will adjust. Try not to deviate much at all.

(That's advice given to me by a sleep expert at Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence, RI many years ago, when I was afflicted with a rare sleeping disorder.)

She also told me never to do anything but sleep in my bed (don't read there, don't eat there, don't work, don't watch TV, etc.). Beds are for sleeping and training your brain to recognize that will help you keep to your regular sleep cycle.

If you're having trouble falling asleep, get up, go sit in a chair and read for 15 or 20 minutes, then try going to sleep again.

Consistency is for assembly lines. Sleep when you're tired. Eat when you're hungry. Just as importantly, don't eat or sleep when you're not hungry or tired.