How to Fall Asleep

Insomnia is a real problem; life does not stop simply because your brain won't long enough for you to fall asleep. Fortunately, there are a few fixes to the problem.

1. Drugs.

Some sleeping pills work. I have tried all the herbal supplements, and they, at least for me, simply induce an annoying drowsiness with no end in sight. I recommend the pill. Unisom is a gift for those of us counting all the sheep in Scotland until the morning sun rises. It's cheap and available at Walmart without a prescription. Take it about 30 minutes before you wish to fall asleep and you'll be in a lovely slumber. However, don't pop one unless you have a good 8 hours to sleep; the haze can last until mid-morning if you don't have sufficient time to rest. Of course, follow the instructions responsibly and ask your doctor if you experience any weird side effects.

2. Bathtime!

A peaceful soak is a wonderful way to relax and put the cares of the day behind. Find your favorite bubble bath and enjoy the bubbles. Your muscles will relax and allow you to ease into a sound slumber. Dr. Teal's epsom salt bubble soak are my suds of preference.

3. My personal method.

I have spent many moons (literally) trying to fall asleep and playing mind tricks. I am by no means a scientist, but experience has allowed me to be desperately creative. One of the problems with falling asleep is that sleep is boring. We like to think about the day behind, the day ahead, the responsibilities in the morning, nearly anything but sleep. Sleep is the brain's way of recharging; we simply need to allow our brain the time and control to do so.

I call it the "picture" method. Try not to think of anything specifically as you lie with your eyes closed. Let your brain produce an image. Focus on that image; sometimes it is helpful to say, "I see ____." Then, watch that image convert into a new picture. Don't try to follow the logic of the formations. Dreams don't make sense; let your mind begin to dream as you are awake and you will often fall asleep before the 5th or 6th image transfer. Perhaps this is a bit of personal hypnosis, but if you can allow yourself to focus on "nothing," it is a very effective method. Don't create the image you want to see; simply observe what your brain produces.

The most difficult thing about this method is that we like to control our thoughts. This "picture" method allows the brain to do what it wants, which can quickly become boring and can be easily be broken by distraction. This little trick becomes easier with practice. Sleep is an art, but it's an art we cannot live without.

#sleep #insomnia #health