If we've forgotten how to sleep, as the National Sleep Foundation suggests, then what do we do?

Sleep deprivation in this country has gotten so bad, it's now considered a public health hazard.

New research is discarding sleeping pills for those who can't sleep, in favor of a ritual. Science Specialist Ed Yeates explains.

The problem with sleep is that we take it for granted. So much so, that we believe we can just switch on our sleep cycle once we cross that threshold into the bedroom.

Not so!

Let's pretend! Dan and Ginny Checketts dramatize a nightly mistake we all make.

Dramatization: "UH HUH. NO, HE'S GOT TO COME IN TOMORROW. THERE'S NOBODY ELSE WHO CAN COME IN FOR HIM."

A troubling call from work. And if that's not enough - issues at home.

"HONEY, I NEED TO TALK TO YOU. RYAN CAME HOME TODAY WITH HIS REPORT CARD AND HE'S GOT AN F." "I CAN'T DEAL WITH THIS TONIGHT. I CAN'T DO THIS. I'VE GOT TO GO TO BED AND GET UP IN THE MORNING FOR A MEETING. I'VE GOT TO GO."

So, it's off to bed as quick as a wink - demanding sleep on command.

Eyes close. But not for long. The body's clock is far from sleep.

Christopher Jones, M.D., Phd / U of U Sleep-Wake Center: "IT'S VERY DIFFICULT FOR THE HUMAN BRAIN TO JUST ALL OF A SUDDEN CLICK OFF. WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO YOURSELF HERE? YOU'RE SABOTAGING YOUR OWN SLEEP."

Like a slow, gradual waking in the morning, people must gradually shut down for the night.

Except for severe sleep disorders, out with the pills and in with a ritual.

Linda Prestwich has had insomnia most of her life. But no more "dread the bed."

With help from the Sleep-Wake Center, she's trying a new ritual.

Linda Prestwich: "OH WOW, I'M GETTING SLEEP. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO HANDLE THIS SLEEP BIT. THIS IS A NEW PART OF MY LIFE." "I HAVE NOT SLEPT THIS WELL FOREVER."

ED YEATES: "HERE AT THEIR HOME IN WEST JORDAN, THE PRESTWICH'S TRY TO HAVE SOMETHING TO EAT AROUND SIX OR SEVEN. LINDA'S CLOCK ACTUALLY STARTS UNWINDING AT THE DINNER TABLE."

Stage one. Linda and Paul deal with the day past and tomorrow while they eat.

Stage two. Linda then goes for a walk, again thinking, but letting the brain unwind.

LINDA: "IT'S EASY TO SET ASIDE THE WORRY BECAUSE YOU KNOW YOU'RE GOING TO GET A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP AND TOMORROW IS GOING TO BE A FRESH DAY AND YOU'LL START ALL OVER AGAIN."

After the walk, stage three. She makes some herb tea, turns on quiet music and relaxes.

Stage four, upstairs to a warm bath. When Linda finally crosses that threshhold into the bedroom at eleven o'clock, she's cued for sleep.

Dr. Laura Czajkowski / U of U Sleep-Wake Center: "IT'S CUEING. IT'S TIME TO DE-STRESS. IT'S TIME TO RELAX. IT'S A SIGN FOR US. WE'RE READY FOR SLEEP."

While rituals may vary for each person, the image of the bedroom should be the same for all.

According to research, no watching television in this room. No blaring radio talk shows reviewing disasters of the day.