Sleep disorders can negatively impact all areas of your life, from work to relationships and family. Many people experience the occasional bout of sleeplessness, but when it becomes an ongoing problem it can lead to serious health issues including obesity, heart disease and stroke. Make getting a good night's rest a priority, and your overall quality of life will improve.

Here are the top 10 ways to beat sleep disorders:

1. Talk To Your Doctor

If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, start by taking to your doctor or healthcare provider. While some sleep problems can be addressed without medical assistance, it is important to be tested in a clinical sleep lab if your doctor suspects a serious disorder like sleep apnea or narcolepsy.

2. Stick to a Schedule

Sleep experts agree that maintaining a regular sleep schedule is one of the most important elements of a good night's sleep. Your body has a natural sleep-wake cycle, known as the circadian rhythm and sticking to a consistent bedtime will help you stabilize your body's sleep rhythm, leading to more restful sleep.

3. Practice "Sleep Hygiene"

According to a publication by the Sleep Disorders Center at the University of Maryland Medical Center, practicing good sleep hygiene is important when addressing sleep disorders. Using clean, comfortable bedding, maintaining a cool bedroom and avoid heavy perfumes that cause sleeplessness.

4. Invest in Blackout Blinds

Light from streetlights, cars and even the moon can disrupt sleep patterns, so use heavy curtains or blackout blinds to keep your bedroom as dark as possible.

5. Use White Noise To Block Out Unwanted Sound

If you suffer from insomnia made worse by ambient noises like traffic, barking dogs and neighbors, try using a white-noise device in your bedroom such as a fan or sound spa. Many people find that a steady, low-level background noise in their bedrooms helps to prevent nighttime wakening from random exterior sounds.

6. Remove Allergens From Bedroom

Many people with sleep disorders also have allergies to things like cat dander and dust. Minimize the effect these allergens have on your sleep by keeping your bedroom clean and scent-free.

7. Exercise During the Day

Three new studies were presented at the 2011 annual meeting of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, all confirming that daytime exercise helps people with sleep disorders rest more soundly. In a study of sleep apnea patients by Dr. Christopher Kline of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, participants who began an exercise regimen enjoyed a 25% reduction in their sleep disorder symptoms.

8. No TV's Or Computers in Bed

A number of prominent studies including one at Osaka University have shown that looking at light-emitting devices, such as a computer or the television before bedtime negatively impacts sleep quality by stimulating the brain with the flashing lights creating alertness. Instead of watching TV before bed, try listening to relaxing music or reading a book.

9. Cut Back on Alcohol

According to TV health expert Dr. Oz, drinking alcohol may make you feel tired at first, but it actually disrupts your sleep once metabolized in your body. Dr. Oz recommends that if you choose to drink, don't consume any alcohol within two hours of bedtime.

10. Explore New Treatment Options

If you have been diagnosed with a sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea, there are new non-intrusive therapies available that allow users to stop use of their CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. These new therapies are available only by prescription from your health care provider, and offer a low-cost, silent alternative to traditional sleep apnea therapy.