Getting back to sleep

[mrs_nordling]

Sometimes when I wake in the middle of the night my brain starts racing with thoughts, thus stopping me from getting back to sleep. Any good, sensible ideas for clearing my mind, apart from counting sheep?

[ethandron]

become very aware of your breathing, and slow it right down, as slow as you feel comfortable with, breathing very deeply. on each out breath start counting to 10. if you're still awake when you reach 10, start again and keep concentrating on your slow breathing and counting.

[Sachs]

What ethan suggests works for me if I'm tired enough!

[JB]

Pick a subject (fruit, veg, actors, animals - whatever!) then try and think varieties/names from A to Z. Be tough on yourself, and don't skip the letters that you don't immediately think of! Your brain is then focussed on something so tedious, you'll drop off (well it works for me anyway!)

[Mrspoppins]

It's just awful when you lie awake like that. I used to have exactly the same problem until I mentioned it to a friend who was a counsellor. She suggested that,after you've wakened and when you start to think about things - worrying situations etc, Picture that situation, imagine it shrinking before you, lift it up, place it in a box, put a lid on the box, then place the box on a high shelf and tell yourself you will deal with it in the morning. Do this with each thought you have, and you will slowly drift of to sleep. It definitely work - I use the technique quite often. Best wishes.

[R1Geezer]

Vodka?

[bigfoot3000]

I use valerian root before I sleep and Im out till morning feeling refreshed, clear minded and ready for the day, best thing is that its non addictive, cheap and you can take it long term though I don't know whether you're on any medication so it may be worth talking to the doctor about this herb before you buy it.
http://www.hollandand...sp?pid=131&prodid=745

[237SJ]

mrs nordling - I work the most ridiculous hours and sleep at all kinds of strange times. I think when your mind`s working 90 to the dozen it`s very hard to stop it. The only thing i would suggest is to think of something really comforting that makes you feel happy like imagining palm trees, sunshine or the man of your dreams - that`s the only thing that works for me. I find if I concentrate at looking at examining the inside of my eyelids coupled with imagining relaxing images I nod off quite quickly

[ladyalex]

All of the above, plus, try to keep your eyes open. Sounds daft, but it works.
Even better if you can make yourself think of something either tedious , as JB suggests, therapeutic as Mrspoppins says, or my favourite, try to remember the family tree...all the aunts and cousins etc....mind you I like most of my family.....I'd do it for a soap opera family if I didn't!

[mrs_nordling]

Thanks so much for all your great ideas, I will work my way through them on the nights when my brain won't relax!

[Prudie]

Could you listen to a radio? I have R4 on (which is the world service during the night), It's usually only talk and I wait for them to say a word beginning with each letter of the alphabet in order. Only on a bad night do I ever get to Z. I also do this when I'm bored in meetings or presentations!

[society]

Look on the bright side mrs_nordling, better your brain race than your heart.

[joko]

buy yourself some floaty music and lavendar oil...this may help

i often also listen to standup comedy or sitcom episode cds...its easy becasue it makes you happier to hear the jokes etc but also not enough to keep you awake trying to follow a story

[TTG]

Read a book. Don't watch tv or read a magazine!

I do have another solution to make you relaxed and tired but it's x rated. That is the best one! ;-)

[Jellybean25]

Sorry to add in at the last minute but, i have such trouble sleeping. I always (and i mean always) wake up between one 1 and 4 in the morning and I just think of a tv programme i've watched or a film and play a scene in my mind, or i try and think of a chapter of a book i've read and imagine it being acted out, before i know it i'm usually out for the count.
Before this I used to clock watch and worry about how long i had left before i had to get up. It got to the point that I woke up about 1 or 2 then just went down and watched telly until my husband and daughter got up. Would definatly not recommend that, I was only 23 and my heart nearly gave out (seriously).

[chattykathy]

This happens to me every night too. I was advised by a friend to listen to the BBC World Service (via little earphones so not to wake the other half) and I always drop off pretty quickly. Ironically the more interesting the article the quicker I fall asleep! I'm going to try out valerian root though, I would love to sleep through the night again. Good luck - i'll be thinking of you about 4am! :-)

[mrs_nordling]

Thanks again for the answers! Chattykathy, I like to listen to the radio really quietly when I first go to bed, and find I soon drop off (don't have to listen to it to get to sleep, by the way). I've never liked to turn it on in the early hours in case it disturbs my husband, but maybe some little earphones might do the trick...... will keep you posted!

[flobadob]

Try to imagine it is half 7 and you have to get up. That usually makes me roll over and doze off again.