How do you quiet your mind before going to sleep?

Question

It takes me close to an hour before I sleep (usually due to exhaustion). I tend to think about too many thing before I go to sleep which makes it hard to fall asleep. Are there any techniques you guys use to get to sleep quicker?

Answer 1

Physical intimacy.

Answer 2

Good Luck!

There is nothing more irritating than lying in bed awake when you know you need to go to sleep. There are plenty of home remedies and you will probably hear some from people on Yahoo! questions and answers. The best book I have ever read on the subject was "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting a Good Night's Sleep". There is a possibility that your local library has a copy or can get one from inter-library loan.

Answer 3

Everyday habits can effect your sleep cycle. Assess your diet. Is anything you are eating or drinking before hitting the rack a stimulant? Try cutting back on Caffeine after say maybe 2:00 PM for a while.
After dinner, within a reasonable time, lay down and spend some time stretching your whole body. Breathe, and really enjoy it. Don't do it as an exercise, which means, hold each stretch for at least five seconds or more. No less. While you are doing this, use it as a format to begin the resting cycle.
I myself, listen to talk radio at night. I am at the same time, listening to a monitor to my Alzheimer's patient for any kind of movement. She is up on the third floor. I sprint up and take care of her, and then flop back down for my own advice.
If I awaken, and can't sleep otherwise, the radio keeps me from over thinking, or puts me to sleep just to escape the neurotic guest on my favorite talk show.
Either way, what ever keeps your mind from dwelling on current distractions in your life, try it. Mantras are good also. You can make up your own.
Breathing techniques also work. Sometimes I hold my breath and time it, just for future diving. (haven't' yet), and make sure you are cozy and comfortable. Also, just yawn. Yes, force yourself to yawn, and stretch your jaws, fake yourself out.
Do one nice thing that will assure you of good thoughts before going to sleep. I brush my dog, or smile at someone who looks like they could kill me. Anyway, that is my thoughts from here on the beach in California. Wish you were here. The waves would help.
Take care,
Marilyn

Answer 4

I read. It's the best and quickest way I've found to keep my thoughts from revolving around my 'stuff' - unfinished business, fears, questions about tomorrow, etc...
I lay down on my side to read, rest my head on the pillow and prop the book up on another pillow.
It usually only takes 2-3 pages before I drift off to sleep.

Answer 5

Sometimes if I can keep perfectly still I find it much easiet to get to sleep. If you learn self hypnosis you can use this to quit your mind and often get so relaxed you fall asleep. I learned with books and tapes from the library.
Also focus on your breathing instead of thinking

Answer 6

I start at my toes and flex every muscle, hold it for a few seconds then move up to next set (calves, thighs, tush, stomach, chest, shoulders, neck, face) Usually by the time I get to my head, I'm usually pretty relaxed. The scent of lavender also helps to calm your mind. Good Luck

Answer 7

Turn the radio or t.v. on which will distract you until you fall asleep. If this does not help i would talk to a doctor about a sleeping pill.

Answer 8

Have a worry book. Just buy a notebook at the dollar store. Write down all that's on your mind, good, bad and the rest. Then know that it's all there for you to pick up after you have slept. Then go to sleep!

Answer 9

me too, so I read. I do not want to think at bedtime.

Answer 10

i smoke a fat one. works everytime.