Thread: falling asleep

read a book

do a sport or excersize to the point of exhaustion

Well, there are three things I usually do when I'm pressed for sleep, in order of efficiency:

#1 ~ I lie very still and think about a scene between some characters I like, mine or others; I concentrate on playing the scene out, like a little movie in my head.

#2 ~ If that doesn't work, I usually shift the scene into any number of personal fantasies and, erm, "grind the orchid".

#3 ~ I hold my breath for as long as I can hold it, usually on the exhale, then breathe, then hold my breath again.

I do all of these things until I get really exhausted and finally fall asleep.

Go ahead and see if any of these work for you.

I have that problem some times, if there are a lot of stuff I am really thinking about.

I just read a book, or watch television. Sometimes I day-dream, but that just keeps me awake more often than not.

Originally posted by Rakkantekimusouka
erm, \"grind the orchid\".

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Too much information, baby.

antihistamines work too (especially benedryl).. not that i condone it for a sleep aid, but it does work if you REALLY need to sleep.

I took percocet one time.. that worked excellently.. just that stuff is really addictive.

Originally posted by Joseph_Stalin+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Joseph_Stalin)</div>

<!--QuoteBegin-Rakkantekimusouka

erm, \"grind the orchid\".

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Too much information, baby. [/b]

Heh, I guess so -- but hey, he wanted to know ways to get to sleep faster, and that works really well, believe me.

But you probably knew that already...

Try Kava-Kava root. You can get it from your local health store, boil a spoon in some water and drink (the taste isn't the best) and it mellows you out heaps. It's a really nice feeling and you will fall asleep in no time, and have a deep, restful sleep. What's better is that the effects last a while - I found that with one cup I would have good sleeping for about a week after, and a really nice mellow relaxed feeling too.

I used to just take a few painkillers, although I by no means reccomend this, as it is not only dangerous, but the stuff decreases its effectivness, and when you wake up you feel groggy and not like you've had a restful night.

I also used to have a nightcap consisting of a nip of whiskey in a hot chocolate... yum.

well, I do alot of the things others have mentioned--books, TV, fantasies. Chamomile tea or any hot drink is soothing... milk.

also, there are some yoga poses that are great for getting you to sleep. I don't do yoga at all, but I know someone who's a yoga nut, and she taught me this one pose, it takes about 10 min and after I do it I'm out like a light. can't remember the name, but I can try to describe it...

sit in lotus position(on your butt with the soles of your feet together, back straight) and take an old belt/strap(something soft that won't cut into your flesh) and make a loop around your lower back(just where your spine joins the hips), over your inner thighs and underneath your feet(does this make sense?). Tighten the strap so it feels comfortable-- it keeps your feet held as close to your body as possible, and keeps your hips rolled forward so your back arches. Then take a firm pillow/roll of blankets that's long enough and wide enough for your head and torso, and about 4-6 inches thick when you're lying on it, and place it right behind your butt, and lie back on it with your arms out to the sides, palms-up. the pillow arches your lower back, opens up your abdominal and chest cavity, and makes it really easy to breathe(this is also great if you've got a cold). you want to make sure that your head is level or a little higher than your chest(don't bend your neck back at all, and look straight up, so you don't have to use any muscles once you're in the pose, you just lie there). then, you lie there and think of every muscle in your body in turn, and consciously relax them. just listen to your breath and you will start to feel sleepy. and if you do it right, you can stay in this position for hours, I've actually fallen asleep this way.

but if all that is too labor intensive, just lie flat on your back in bed, adjust yourself so you're absolutely comfortable and don't feel the need to move, and do the same thing--go through your muscles one by one, tense and then relax them. and just lie there trying to be aware of your breathing without controlling it (which is harder than you think)

Bizzy

mint tea, its amazing stuff. Helps lucidity too sometimes, but it has a rare ability to calm you, yet raise your awareness..

Can't be crap mint tea though, gotta be the good stuff.

Also theres that one chemical in some foods like turkey and milk, that helps you fall asleep. But mint tea rocks.

Take a look at the sleeping disorders in the Tutorials & see if your symtoms match any of them.

mint tea???
i'll have to try that...
and the chemical that induces sleep, found in milk and turkey, it's called tryptophan, but you need more than is in a glass of milk to knock ye out!!