How can I stop my thoughts from drifting when going to sleep?

**Candlelight** · 03-16-2011 10:13 PM

So over the last couple of nights I've tried to WILD but it never seems to work. I can get totally relaxed - I know my body's in the right state because occasionally I'll get this really violent twitch, which I heard is the body's method of checking if the body's ready for sleep.

The problem is that I can't seem to keep my thoughts in one place - one moment I'm not really thinking at all, just staring at the HI that pops up - next thing I know, I'm running through a scenario (for example, walking in the woods with a friend or something), then I'm on another scenario, etc.

I just can't keep my mind focused on attempting to WILD. Could you guys maybe help me with this? What should be running through my mind? Thanks in advance.

**Raphael** · 03-16-2011 10:26 PM

It's good, and necessary for your thoughts to drift while falling asleep. Your mind should not be focused on the WILD, that will keep you awake all night. In order to relax and enter the dream you should let your thoughts wander, and observe the HI.

You need what's called an "anchor" for your consciousness, this can be like a fan running in your room, creating white noise. This will keep in the back of your mind that you are awake. It should not be in the forefront of your mind, otherwise you find it extremely difficult to fall asleep.

**Candlelight** · 03-16-2011 10:33 PM

Thank you! Do you, or anybody else, have any suggestions for different 'anchors' I can use? I don't have a fan. I do have a rather noisy computer - it makes this constant whirring sound whilst in standby - so that could work. Thanks in advance again.

**Raphael** · 03-16-2011 10:46 PM

No problem

You could use dull pain as an anchor, like lying on a marble while you sleep. Actually any kind of physical sensation that is irregular to you would work, like taping 2 fingers together, wearing a sleep mask, hugging a stuffed animal while you sleep, using a different pillow, etc.

Then there's other types of anchors, like being aware of your breathing pattern or heart beat, having some kind of scent next to your bed, having a dull light by your bed, etc.

You get the picture, just find something that works for you and demands very little of your attention to recognize it. Keep in mind that you will need to keep awareness of it even while going through intense hallucinations.

**Candlelight** · 03-16-2011 10:52 PM

I think I'll try the taping two fingers together method. Thank you again for your responses, you've been amazing. Here's hoping I can achieve my first LD tonight.