How to Fall Asleep

Do you have a hard time falling asleep? Here are some things you might want to try next time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Stick to a routine. It is important that your body knows when to expect to have to sleep. Try to do the same routine every night at the same time. Also make sure you are getting up at the same time in the morning.
2. Relax. This can be done in many ways. Warm milk, warm tea, meditating, reading, sitting in dim and quiet room and just preparing to sleep.
3. Keep a journal/diary. Often times people lie in bed with thoughts running through their mind. Take 10-30 minutes to write down everything that is on your mind. This will help clear your mind and make it so you don't feel the need to keep thinking about stuff. It'll be there later.
4. Go to bed. I've talked to tons of people online who say, "I'm back, I couldn't sleep." Well, hopping on the internet isn't the best way to sleep. You don't need that extra stimulation. You need to try to go to bed.
5. Breathe deep. While lying in bed, try to focus on relaxing and breathing deeply. This not only helps you relax but it keeps your mind off of other things you may want to think about. Don't think about anything other than, "Breathe in, breathe out."
6. Use your bed for sleep only. Try to make it a habit to only sleep in your bed and find other places to read, talk on the phone, watch tv, use your laptop. You need to train yourself and your body to know that your bed equals sleep. You won't be doing anything else there so you might as well just fall asleep.
7. Find sound. Most people sleep much better with some sort of noise in the room. You need to make sure this is something that won't distract you completely (like the TV or radio). If you're using those then turn the volume down to where you can hardly hear them. Other options are a fan, water fountain or even a computer left on - those often make buzzing/humming noises which can help.
8. Make sure you're comfortable. You can't fall asleep if you're not comfortable! Get a nice mattress. Adjust the temperature in your room, make sure you have enough blankets/pillows, wear comfortable pajamas, etc.

Tips & Warnings

• Not everything works for everyone. Keep trying all of these tips until you find something that works for you! Good luck.