The sleeping environment can have an important bearing on both types of insomniacs. Noise, an uncomfortable bed, a noisy partner, and light are obvious distractions, but there are others. One often overlooked factor is temperature. Most people sleep more soundly in a cool room. However, wind, changes in barometric pressure, and sudden weather shifts can wake a person up even if the room temperature is ideal.

Sleep surroundings play an especially important role for those who do shift work. An irregular bedtime schedule can upset the body's natural rhythms. Finding or creating a dark, cool, quiet location to sleep will help establish conditions that promote falling asleep despite an irregular schedule.