You know the feeling of almost passing out at a lecture or at work, only to go home and realise you just can’t sleep? Most of us do. As with everything else, sleep is also kind of situation specific. There’s a couple of different ways to keep your sleep cycle proper and your brain rested though, and they’re all pretty easy. Suffice to say, counting sheep isn’t the only way to doze off!
Here’s a couple of ways to fall asleep!
1. Meditating after dinner
If you just spend around 10 minutes before sleeping to meditate, things will ease up pretty quickly. Close your eyes, place your hands on your knees, and breathe deeply. Let your thoughts wander. Stay there and don’t force any thoughts in or out and say goodnight to the world!
2. Drinking chamomile tea
This herbal substance is a known sleep aid in animals. It also works pretty well with some of us humans, and it’s totally harmless.
3. Sleeping and waking up at the same time every day
Creating a routine is essential. It sounds impossible, but they say it works! There’s a lot of research that says a messed up sleep cycle creates a messed up mind.
4. Reading a book
Coming home after a long day and tucking into bed with a good book is one of the best feelings in the world. You get to learn something new, and it settles you into a decent drowse.
5. Working out during the day
Do a couple of stretches before sleep, or even a full power workout during the day to fall asleep faster and better.
6. Keeping the temperature just right
Sleep in your underwear in the Summer, and use a pillar of blankets in the Winter. Real talk!
7. Counting sheep (or puppies or anything really)
The age old mental trick to falling asleep. Hasn’t really helped me much but different strokes for different folks right?
8. Listen to sleep aiding audio books
There’s a range of audio books dedicated to helping you sleep, which you can buy or even just download. They range from the soothing sounds of the ocean to meditative chants and what not.
9. Drink warm milk
This might be more of a psychosomatic effect than anything else, but it still seems to work. A warm cup of a milky drink at night is pretty calming.
10. Use this famous 4-7-8 trick
Dr. Andrew Weil created this breathing technique that people claim works wonders. Place the tip of your tongue on the ridge behind your top front 2 teeth. Breathe in through your nose and count to 4, hold your breath for 7 and then exhale to a count of eight. Keep this regular and it should have you napping like a baby. Tutorial below.
11. Medical help if there’s no other option
If absolutely nothing helps, try smoking a little pot or having a single glass of wine. And if even that doesn’t help, then go see a doctor!
