Simple Tips to Help You Get to Sleep

Simple Tips to Help You Get to Sleep, including some we're quite sure you've never seen before.

They're all designed to help you deal with the tension, stress and anxiety that lead to insomnia, so that you can enjoy a good night's sleep.

Not every one of these insomnia techniques alone will get you to sleep, but a few of them at least should prove successful. Needless to say, there's no guarantee, and no attempt to provide medical advice.

With that caveat out of the way, we can only wish you good luck. And a good night's sleep.


Insomnia techniques you've probably already tried but are still worth trying again.
See a Doctor

Insomnia can be a symptom of physical disorders, although for most of us it's the result of tension, stress and anxiety—and of course the more anxious we get about our insomnia, the worse it gets. If your doctor pronounces you a "healthy" insomniac, he might suggest some of the techniques provided here. Or she might prescribe drugs to help you get to sleep.

We suggest you try all these methods first, and use drugs only as a last resort. The decision, of course, is yours.

Take a Warm Bath

It's a great way to relax your body. Don't overdo it, however. You merely want to relax your body, not exhaust it. Too long in hot water and your body is drained of vitality.


Use bath salts, or throw in Epsom salts and baking soda—one cup of each. These will relax you and also help remove toxins from your body.
Get a Massage

Have your spouse (or whoever) give you a massage just before going to sleep. If you can convince them to give you a full body massage, great. If not, even a short backrub and/or a face and scalp massage can be a big help. Have them make the massage strokes slow, gentle, yet firm, to work the tension out of your muscles and soothe you to sleep.

Listen to Music

Play some soft, soothing music that will lull you to sleep. There are even cassettes and records designed for that very purpose. Some are specially composed music, others simply have sounds of waves rhythmically breaking, or the steady pattern of a heartbeat.

Of course if you don't have a record, cassette or CD player that will automatically turn off, we don't suggest this. If you have to get up and turn it off at the end, you've obviously lost its effect.

Drink Warm Milk

A glass of warm milk 15 minutes before going to bed will soothe your nervous system. Milk contains calcium, which works directly on jagged nerves to make them (and you) relax.

Drink Herb Tea

If you don't like milk—or are avoiding dairy products—try a cup of hot camomile, catnip, anise or fennel tea. All contain natural ingredients which will help you sleep. Most health food stores will also have special blends of herb tea designed to soothe you and help you get to sleep.

Eat a Bedtime Snack
Avoid Caffeine, Alcohol and Tobacco
Sleep in a Well-Ventilated Room
Sleep on a Good Firm Bed
Sleep on Your Back
Get Some Physical Exercise During the Day
Keep Regular Bedtime Hours
If You Can't Sleep, Get Up
Don't Sleep In
Get Up Earlier in the Morning
Keep Your Bed a Place for Sleep
Avoid Naps
Avoid Illuminated Bedroom Clocks.


Of course there's the standard insomnia remedy
that everyone knows (although it never worked for us)
Counting Sheep
Some insomnia techniques you probably
haven't seen before

Sleep With Your Head Facing North
Don't Watch TV or Read Before Going to Bed
Toe Wiggling
Stomach Rub
Progressive Relaxation
Deep Breathing
Visualize Something Peaceful
Visualize Something Boring
Imagine It's Time to Get Up
Quiet Ears
And some new suggestions from readers
who have found these remedies useful for their own insomnia.
Not Thinking
Smoke Yourself to Sleep
Yawning
Sex—Alone or with Others
Backwards Counting / Mental Computer
South, Not North
Earplugs
Secure Place
Bedtime Routine
Hot Water Bottle
Green Cows—and Other Animals of Color
Short Walk Before Bed.

Good luck! Have a pleasant sleep!