Counting To 20

[imj]

Hi, I have been trying the counting method for a few nights but problem is focusing on the counting as U get nearer to nodding off. I find that counting indefinately will put me right to sleep but counting from 1 to 20 and then starting from 1 again helps to indicate that I'm close to nodding off because if I count pass 20 I am sure I am and I will start from 1 again to try and stay concious. But my problem is that I loose focus on counting later on and start to have wandering thoughts and then I have to recapture the focus on counting to 20 and the same thing happens again. I think if I have enough practise it might work. So far this is the only method that allows me to relax faster..... IMJ

[Metroid48]

I experience the same thing, except that I start losing track around 47. Have you tried the 61 point relaxation technique Stephen LaBerge mentions? Its pretty good for relaxation. http://img53.exs.cx/img53/7223/27-61Points.jpg

[ZenVortex]

The big problem with all these "trying to stay awake while falling asleep" WILD techniques is that one tends to lose mental focus, drift into fantasy or thinking about problems, nod off, and fall asleep. This is especially true if one is really tired and wants a good night's sleep. Some people have a natural talent but I've never had any success with it.

[eggbert]

I usually do it for an hour or so, then give up and go to sleep.

[imj]

Hi...last night I tried the counting with a tungsten bulb hooked up to a dimmer. I did loose count later on but I was in this semi concious state for a while and I woke up. I think it was the light that kept me concious because I can still see the glow through my eyes and I conditioned myself to be aware of the light. I din't try a second time because I feared that it might disturb the next room, brightness was slightly less than a 25w bulb. So my theory is that the counting served as a relaxer and anti distracter which brings me faster to the drifting off state and the light serves as a conciousness preserver...LOL. I will try again tonight..... IMJ

[imj]

Hello again.....the light din't work...U guessed it . But the 1-20 counting never fails to bring me to that state of losing count. I'm wondering if the counting is a form of hypnosis rather than a way to relax because the transition to the 'losing count' state is quite fast, within afew minutes, sometimes even less and when I 'detect' that I have lost count I start from 1 again but quickily return to the 'losing count' state again and when I go on counting it's like shifting in and out of that state until I become unconcious so it's like I'm always in that 'limbo' state ( not sleepy enough for HI or MILD/suggestion ) if only it would go further than that..... . IMJ

[really]

I have no idea how I could help you. Maybe listen to audio after a WBTB method? So the counting (if that's what you listen to) won't stop when you go to sleep, and might keep you more aware.

[The Blue Meanie]

Last night I had a successful WILD in which the counting technique played an important part. The key is to not just count, but to focus your awareness. I do this by focussing on a certain part of my visual field (though my eyes are closed) usually the center-top, slightly below where my brows "feel" like they are. Don't do this by focussing with your eyes, but just your attention/awareness.

[imj]

Last night I had a successful WILD in which the counting technique played an important part. The key is to not just count, but to focus your awareness. I do this by focussing on a certain part of my visual field (though my eyes are closed) usually the center-top, slightly below where my brows "feel" like they are. Don't do this by focussing with your eyes, but just your attention/awareness. [/b] Hi, thanks . I will try it