Anyone know a good way to stop your mind racing when your need to get to sleep?

Question

Ok a few things to add here

I dont drink anythig with acffein in it after midday, as i know caffein has weird effects on me, sometimes makes me very hyper and even break sweat, just sitting doing nothing, so that's out of the question.

I cant breathe at the same rate as my partner as she breathes faster than i do normally when she is sleeping, so i'd end up making myself more awake than i already was.

I used to do the TV trick, but what i did was watch Cartoons, as the strong colours do tire out the brain, the problem is i cant do it in the same room as i sleep, dont wanna wake up my wife, and now we have moved house the Main TV is downstairs, so i'm awake again by the time i walk upstairs.

sorry about the pelling mincestakes above, i just noticed, that's something else i hate cause my brian is always miles ahead of the rest of my body.

Answer 1

i suffer the same thing and it is worse when i have had a bad day with my son who has autism or i know i have something to do that is important the next day. i lie still with my eyes close and i take slow deep breaths. i take my mind back to a happy memory and concentrate on that . if you keep concentrating on that place your mind will stop racing. it does take a bit of practice and at first you will probably think that it is a load of rubbish but it does work. i also have a scented pillow that i put lavender oil onto and that helps me relax. i don't get a lot of sleep at the best of times so sleep is very precious, and i find this is the only way i can switch off .

Answer 2

Practise the following technique, in bed, after lights out. Sit, or lie down comfortably in a quiet, darkened room, but not in pitch darkness. Clothing and footwear should not be restrictive, and it should be at a comfortable temperature. Your fingertips should be facing upwards. Focus your attention at the place where your breath enters and leaves your body, preferably breathing regularly, through your nose. Any stray thoughts coming into your mind should be noted, then gently refocus your attention on your breathing. The above is meant for daytime use: adapt it. Also see page 3, at http://www.ezy-build.net. (.net.nz/~shaneris)

Answer 3

That isn't easy!! I wake around 3am with the same problem and use 2 different methods to get back to sleep. 1) Put the tv on to something I really want to watch, it only works if it's something good, set the timer to switch tv off then I usually fall asleep about 30 mins in. 2) Imagine myself somewhere I really love, somewhere peaceful, my favourite is a walk in the Highlands of Scotland, it's peaceful and tranquil (same thing?) and usually sends me off to sleep quite quickly. On bad nights neither work so I get up, go downstairs and so something else then sit on the sofa and watch tv while wrapped in a quilt. If I go to sleep it's a bonus if not at least I'm not just lying in bed worrying.

Answer 4

leave your window open before you go to bed. Buy a lavender oil room freshener drink camomile tea.
Eat lettuce or a potatoes for evening meal, don't drink any caffeine.
Write down things that are on your mind and read a book.
Don't Sweat The Small Stuff.
Visit must-haves.co.uk for health products & Books.

Answer 5

Short answer: Witness your thoughts.

Long answer: Hi there,

That is a very good question. I was having the same problem.

I read the other answers and people seem to have misinterpreted your question.

The thing that has worked for me is one of the suggestions in the book 'The power of now'.

In short the book claims that we are slaves of our minds. And the way to start changing that is to 'watch the thinker'. In other words witness ourselves think. When we do that, when we become aware of our thoughts, our minds tend to slow down. It is important not to judge our thoughts. Just watch them.

I was astonished to how much this has helped me. My mind used to be overactive but not anymore. I'd be interested in hearing your experience of witnessing yourself think.

Answer 6

yes!-- without trying to suppress your thoughts, observe what is happening in your mind. There is a space between each thought and as you observe the spaces grow longer and --- longer and eventually your thoughts slow down to a stop. and you are then in a state of complete relaxation., and ready to drop off to a healthy refreshing sleep.

Answer 7

I have 2 ways I try to combat this, sometimes they work and sometimes they don't.
One is to do deep breathing exercises, the other is to lie and try to relax, then tell every part of your body in turn to go to sleep.
Good Luck

Answer 8

I find that about 8 or 9 pints usually does the trick.

Answer 9

Hi there Alser, Try 'going on holiday in your mind.' Imagine that you are going on holiday....think of where you would want to go and who you would want to go with. Then start planning the holiday, pack your bags, go on the journey etc etc etc.
Whilst you think about this, you will find that it helps you to relax; and before you know it, you will be asleep. A psychologist friend gave me this tip, and it works for me.
You could also imagine: going for a walk in one of your favourite places, visiting a relative of friend...the list is quite extensive.
Hope you get a better nights sleep!

Answer 10

Lots of non-medicinal relaxation techniques as described by others here.

I use xanax, and also sometimes use over the counter sleep aids.

I have a lot of problems with this. It's tough. I hope you can get some tips that help you.