Reading a book and WBTB

**warbanana** · 08-21-2015 09:48 AM

Hi guys.
So I'm fortunate enough to wake up spontaneously at least three times during REM at night/early morning.
I've never done WBTB properly though and usually just go to sleep immediately and attempt FILD (which I've been somewhat successful at).
But sometimes I'm too awake for FILD amd I've realised that this is a good time to get up for 20-30 mins.
Problem is that I REALLY struggle to fall asleep when I'm properly awake at night. Same with many people I suppose.

I was wondering if reading a book once I've gone back to bed will compromise the whole exercise since this usually helps me sleep by just calming my mind - helping me think about one thing rather than my brain stressing about not being able to sleep. Once I start to feel sleepy, I plan to put the book down and practice MILD.

Any feedback for me?

Thanks

**NyxCC** · 08-21-2015 11:56 PM

Hey warbanana! I don't see any problem with reading a book if that helps you calm your mind. You can also try substituting the book for your dream journal or an ld book if you want to get extra emphasis on lding. But if you do MILD or any other tech that sets your mind on dreaming just before falling asleep, that should be fine too.

**Zoth** · 08-22-2015 12:25 AM

I've seen cases of people having breakfast, and then going back to bed and still fall asleep (no clue how!).

I was wondering if reading a book once I've gone back to bed will compromise the whole exercise since this usually helps me sleep by just calming my mind - helping me think about one thing rather than my brain stressing about not being able to sleep.

Like NyxCC said, no problem with reading a book. What you have to watch out for are the lights: light is one of the most important factors when it comes to your wake-sleep pattern. So make sure you avoid natural light (it's the worst thing), avoid e-readers (unless kindle), and make sure you dim the lights as much as possible.