coachcasey: 2008-04-21

says: If it's your thoughts that keep you up (thinking about your day, or the day to come), than I have just the thing. Lucid Dreaming. I've read a handful of books - titles elude me right now, but all I can say is I look forward to sleep now. It turns sleep into something to activate/stimulate your mind, rather than thinking you're "shutting off" for 8 hours. Simple action: When it's time to go to bed (9pm-11pm), prepare your bed, plenty of pillows in the right places, etc. Then, Focus on a question/opportunity/goal/fantasy - whatever intrigues you at that moment. Then, Ask your subconscious the question - ask for it to show/tell you the answer as you sleep. Then, Engage your mind, not at the surface level, but deep into your conscious and hand it over to your subconscious. You may be fixated on this question/thought process for an hour the first few nights... but eventually, through your own suggestion, your subconscious will lead you into dreamland, and over time, lucid dreaming - dreaming in which you recognize that you are dreaming and using a trigger of your choosing, you become an active participant in your dream. It is during this time that you are your own guest in your mind of infinite possibilities... It takes time to recognize that you are dreaming, but the reward after you do is a night full of restful sleep for your body, and an invigorating adventure for your mind! Pick up a book on lucid dreaming - follow it - do it - and your insomnia (staying up and letting your mind wonder aimlessly) will end and will transform itself into positive sleep where your mind is encouraged to wander! Good Luck! Enjoy the best rest you've ever had! ~ Coach Casey

St_Nick: 2008-04-20

says: vetiver, peace and calming and harmony oil

Sentient: 2008-04-11

says: I don't know if this is the case with you, but if I'm worried about something then it can keep me awake. Whenever I have an idea, or if there is something I need to do, I make sure that it's written down somewhere. That way my mind has permission to stop thinking about it and stop being stressed by it. Also, Tim Ferriss wrote this article about falling asleep. It seems a bit extreme, but it may be worth it: http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2008/01/27/relax-like-a-pro-5-steps-to-hacking-your-sleep/

michelley: 2008-01-31

says: Moonshadow has a point. Meditation works because you balance it with activity. Sitting quietly and focusing on a mantra quiets the mind, by having something to focus the mind on that isn't a thought. If your thoughts race, and you notice them racing, you just return to the mantra again. Also, you can get 8 hours of rest in 20 minutes, because when your mind does slow down so does your brain waves and so does your heart rate. Doing the physical activities of the day are seperated by periods of rest {meditation}. Meditating just twice a day, between morning, afternoon and evening activity will train your brain to take short breaks. Then at the end of the day your mind will WANT to rest...and it takes your body with it.

Jstone: 2008-01-30

says:

Jack, I used to be just like you, never sleeping more than a couple hours at a time. Here are the things that changed that for me. Maybe some will work for you, too.

When I first wake up, I say, "Thank you, God for a great night's sleep." I started this practice before I started sleeping well.

I keep a daily do list and cross things off as I accomplish them. At the end of the day, I do NOT get upset with myself for the things I didn't get done. I let them go. If I didn't get something done, that means that it didn't have to get done. Everything happens for a reason.

Before I go to sleep, I thank God for a perfect day. No matter what happened or didn't happen during my day, it was exactly as it needed to be. Again, there is a reason for every thing.

I thank God for a great night's sleep before I fall asleep and give everything to Him. There is nothing I need to work on now. This is not the time to accomplish things. Its time for rest.

If I am having a tough time falling asleep, I say in my mind, "God is peace, so I am peace." I may repeat it several times. While my mind is focused on peace, my body relaxes and I drift off.

If I am tense, I take a hot, lingering shower before bed.

I find that it is easier to relax on days that I have exercised or been physically active in some way.

Drinking water throughout the day also helps with sleep.

One last tip: try saying to yourself, "I love you and you deserve a good night's sleep."

I hope there is something useful here for you, Jack. It is so important for us to be well-rested to be at our best during the day.

Peace to you.

Jacqueline

moonshadow: 2008-01-28

says:

Have you tried any form of meditation? Maybe when you wake up you can put on some meditation music...practice during the day.........it is very relaxting and I fall asleep even when I do it during the day.

BEST OF LUCK TO YOU!