How to Fall Asleep When Anxious

If you're feeling anxious about your relationships, school, work, or life in general, it might take a toll on your sleeping life. If you're having a hard time falling asleep, try out these methods in order to stop tossing and turning all night long.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Get comfortable. Whether you sleep best in your oldest, most tattered pajamas, a cozy new nightie, or nothing at all, figure out how you'll sleep best.
2. Make some noise. Most people don't like to sleep in silence. Create some white noise with a sound machine or the hum of an air conditioner or humidifier.
3. Close your eyes and think of the most peaceful place you know. Think of a two syllable word that corresponds with that place, like, "Ocean." With the first syllable, breathe in. With the second, breathe out. Repeat over and over, focusing on the word and the image.
4. Clear your mind of all of the stresses of the day. If you tend to begin making to do lists while lying in bed, get it all out of your system by physically writing one out an hour and a half before bed.
5. Try not to drink anything up to two hours before bed. Waking up in the middle of the night disrupts your restfulness, even if you fall back asleep easily.
6. Do more physical activity, particularly on days when you're feeling extremely stressed out. By wearing out your body, you'll fall asleep more easily and relieve stress.