Dear Nat: I’ve been feeling so anxious lately that I haven’t been able to sleep. Sometimes I’ll lie awake all night long and end up dragging myself through the next day feeling like a zombie. It seems that when I get into bed, I can’t get my mind off the million and a half things I have to do the next day. Do you have any tips that will help ease me back into dreamland?

— Sleepless in Eugene
Dear Sleepless: There’s nothing worse than lugging along through classes and down the street, stuck in a body that’s drained of, well, life. Being bitten by the insomnia bug is unfortunate, but don’t fret — there is hope. So in honor of end-of-the-term stress and finals, here are a few of my tried-and-true sleep remedies.
A nightly bedtime ritual will ease your body into sleep mode. First, invest in a nature CD (with relaxing simulations such as ocean or rain) and a lavender sachet. As waves crash in the background, cuddle up in bed with the calming scent and a warm cup of milk or decaffeinated tea. Begin a journal in which you can jot down all the reasons for anxiety in your life, and after each entry tell yourself that these worries will remain on the pages instead of going to bed with you. Practicing a soothing nightly ritual will train your body to expect sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow.
Here’s an edible remedy from www.isleepless.com (a Web site I highly recommend for sleep advice) to use when tossing and turning for hours leaves you in a panic. Get out of bed, froth one banana and some milk in blender and drink the shake along with one valerian root extract tablet (available in health food stores) and an over-the-counter sleep aid. If you don’t have a blender, try the tablets with some hot milk and a banana.
When all else fails and you have no choice but to face the day drugged up on exhaustion, give your body the urgent care it needs while taking necessary precautions. Start the day with an invigorating shower and, if inclined, be generous with lotions, cologne and makeup. Be sure to have a healthy breakfast that includes protein and carbohydrates, such as toast or cereal with eggs or cottage cheese. Keep all activities other than unavoidable obligations to a minimum and be sure avoid the two enemies of sleep-deprived victims: caffeine and driving!
Don’t forget, when spring break arrives, those woeful feelings of fatigue should transform into blissful nights of slumber. Sweet dreams!
Dear Nat: What’s the best cure for a hangover?

–Drunk and Distressed
Dear Drunk: Sorry, but the only true cure is time and sleep. And avoiding excessive alcohol — have you tried that yet?
In my eyes, hangovers and complaining should not go hand in hand. You’ve dug yourself into your own hole. So either enjoy your late-night escapades and accept the morning-after misery or ease up on the partying. But in the meantime, don’t hold back on pain relievers, comfort foods and water.