Other than going to the doctor and getting on something what are some things that help people fall asleep?

Question

I dont want to take any pills!

Answer 1

I have the same problem, so I sympathize with you. All I can do is suggest to you what works for me, when it works.

I stop caffeine at 3 in the afternoon. That way I can have my morning caffeine to get me through the day but it has a chance to pass through before bed.

About 2 hours before bed, try to do something energizing. (I know this sounds weird.) Like walking, exercising, dancing, ect. After 30-60 minutes of that, take a relaxing, hot bath. As hot as you can stand. Just relax, soak, and daydream. Anything you can think of to relax your mind will relax your body. The hot water will take your energy.

Once you get out of the bath, settle into bed and try to have your favorite scent around you, it may be a lavender pillow or a vanilla scented linen spray, even spray some of your favorite perfume (or your guys cologne) on your bed and pillow. Close your eyes and picture yourself in the place you've always dreamed of being and hopefully you'll fall peacefully asleep.

I really hope this helps, hun. I know how it feels to be deprived of good sleep.

Answer 2

#1 try not to use the computer/tv late at night - studies have shown that it does interfere with sleep - I should practice what I preach as it's 12:30 now - but I slept earlier this evening.
#2 Lavender does help a great deal - I have a bowl of it by my bed, I smush some, smell it and then I go sleepy time.
#3 exercise - I always sleep better when I exercise more.
#4 - melatonin helps - and I cleared that through my doctor
#5 no caffeine after the morning hours.
#6 - reduce late night eating.

i was on sleep meds and I am off of them completely now.

Answer 3

1) avoid caffiene 8-10 hours before bed. Yes, it really takes that long to get out of your system
2) eat half a turkey sandwich with a slice of raw onion and a glass of raw milk before bed.
Why? Same reason why people get sleepy after thanksgiving dinner - turkey is rich in the amino acid typtophan, which is a precursor to a neurotransmitter (adenosine) that makes you sleepy - there is a ton of it in raw onions and warm milk as well.
Good Luck
P.S. also google "sleep hygiene protocols". Many people cant sleep because of behavioral, not medical reasons.

I had to get a CD of rainstorm sounds - hey, sounds silly, but it works. And it blocks out my neighbor playing Stevie Wonder all night.

Sorry, I wrote all that - I just realized you put this in vegetarian.
Here is what you can do....go to the health food store, try Melatonin. Its another natural hormone that helps you sleep. Try the brand Solgar - they are made in veggie caps.
Email me and give me some more specifics about your sleep difficulties (pre-peri-menopause, night-shift worker, etc) and I might be able to give you some more specific advice.

Good Luck

Answer 4

Routine is the a great and natural way. If you do the same routine every night (ie- drink a cup of tea while reading a book, listen to relaxing music for 15 min and then going to bed) your body will associate these activities with sleeping and you will begin to get tired while doing them.

I use instrumental music to get myself to sleep. It took a few weeks to condition myself to associate sleep with th music but now it works great. I fall asleep in about 15 min.

Answer 5

I redecorate my home to help me get to sleep.
I just lay there with my eyes closed and start thinking what my home would look like with different furniture, walls etc.
I know it sounds funny but it works for me because it stops me from thinking about house paymts, new brakes, all the other crappy mundane stuff that clouds up my mind when I really just want to sleep.

I do that if I don't have a book to read.

Answer 6

I love celestial seasonings Sleepy time tea. Just the ritual of making my tea, taking it to bed and spending a half hour reading or writing in my journal helps promise a good nights sleep.

Answer 7

what helps me is to stare in the dark for 5 min. and then close my eyes and quite soon i fall asleep but if that dont work just get someone to knock you out...or go get drunk and pass out haha those are some options!

Answer 8

It IS technically in pill form, but melatonin helps me. For me 3-4 mg is about right. Chamomile tea helps too.

Answer 9

READING> I have to read to sleep ad I read to the children I baby-sit. Just read until you cant anymore then you will fall alseep with great things in your head. Exercise also helps a ton. If your body is worked well ,it will naturally want to rest.

Answer 10

Valarian root helps and placing lavender under your pillow. You can also drink chamomile tea 45 mintues before you go to bed and don't eat anything 2 hours prior to going to bed.