For millions of people, a good night's sleep is a luxury. Today's society is constantly on the go -- trying to work, making time for family and getting housework done. These tasks take up most of our day and we sometimes sacrifice sleep. But cutting sleep time can have long-term physical and emotion consequences.

People require different amounts of sleep. Some need a full eight hours worth while others function quite well on just five or six hours. In general, adults need about seven to eight hours and teenagers require about nine hours of sleep each day. Infants need the most -- about 16 hours a day.

Lack of sleep causes accidents on the road and in the workplace. Sleep deprivation is responsible for an estimated 100,000 car accidents and 1,500 fatalities every year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Sleep deprivation is also linked to a variety of physical and mental health problems including heart disease, diabetes, obesity and depression.

For some people, going to sleep or staying asleep may be difficult. Stress, medications, a sick or newborn baby or a lumpy mattress are among the many reasons.

Opinions on what best helps a person sleep vary, largely because not everyone will respond the same way. What helps one person sleep may keep someone else awake. Keep that in mind as try these tips that may help you fall asleep and snooze through the night:

• Avoid large, heavy meals within two to four hours of bedtime. This can cause indigestion or other stomach upset which may prevent you from sleeping.