Write down what is on my mind
If I stay in bed worrying about something and cannot get to sleep because I feel stressed or if I feel I must remember to do something the next day I write that thing down. I have a tiny notepad and a pen always on my nightstand and when I notice my brain keeps thinking the same worrying things all over again I write those down. I don't need to put on the light or anything when I write, I know my hadwriting will look horrible but there has never been a situation when I have not been able to read it. And that is not even the point. I can remember without the notepad what I was thinking about, but writing it down helps me brake the loop my brain is doing and helps me let go of the thought and get to sleep.
Just noticed from the photo that I'm using the ugliest pen and notepad, got to do something to pretty those up.
Change the place I sleep
This is something I learned from my sister, apparently she has been using this trick quite succesfully for years and years. So if I cannot get to sleep but am not stressed or incase I've already done the first trick but it has not helped I take my pillow and blanket and move. Really. I go to the guest bed or on the sofa and sleep there. It's usually that I get to sleep quite fast after I've moved. Sometimes I don't bother moving very far but just turn my head to the foot of the bed. I do not know what it is about the change in the place but it just works.
I could also mention a third trick, which might only aply to me since I'm a lousy eater (especially if I'm home alone). But if you can't get to sleep because you are hungry, EAT something! This is something I notice doing regularly. I go to bed feeling a bit hungry then can't get to sleep and mull over for a long time if I should go and eat something then I give up and walk to the kitchen and I eat a ryecrisp, no butter or cheese or anything, just the ryecrisp. Then I walk back to bed and fall a sleep immediately. I have no idea why I keep pushing off the eating, it's dumb. What tricks do you have for getting sleep?
i used to teach sleep hygiene, so when i developed insomnia after 19 months of night waking with my wee baby i had a few ideas. the notebook one was good. i never heard of or thought about moving though, and i think it's a great idea that i shall tuck away and try should i need it x
ReplyDeleteOkay I find that quite funny that you taught sleep hygiene and yet developed insomnia. Sorry :)
DeleteChanging the place really works, also incase you sleep with someone it's better for the other person if you move instead of you rolling around in the bed and distrupting the other persons sleep.
Great tips! I actually have had insomnia for about 15 years now...I only sleep through the night about 2 or 3 nights a week. And I have never tried moving to a different place (unless someone's snoring was keeping me awake) ;). That is a great idea, I will be trying it next time!
ReplyDeleteNever tried getting a snack either, I will keep that in mind as well. Thanks for the tips.
And, isn't it funny how we often don't notice that something isn't pretty until we take a photo of it?
I'm sorry to hear about your insomnia. 15 years does not sound temporary anymore. I hate when I cannot get to sleep but luckily it happens rarely.
DeleteAbout the photo: It is funny, it's similar when you are expecting company, you become way more critical, which is only good (I think), than normally.
Poor Christina!
ReplyDeleteI don't have any tricks to share, but I will surely share these with my husband who constantly wakes up in the middle of the night with his mind racing.
I'm sure he will find at least the notepad trick usefull if he just gives it a go. It took me quite a long time to accept that trick, I did not want to have a notepad on my bedside table, for some reason it felt a bit over controling, don't know why.
DeleteI had insomnia when I was a teenager and nothing could get me to fall asleep. Sometimes I just read books all through the night...Now when I have trouble falling asleep I close my eyes and then cross my eyes, if that makes sense. Somehow it relaxes me. Thanks for sharing your tips!
ReplyDeleteI've tried reading a book too. But then I get so drawn to the book that I do not even want to go to bed anymore, just want to read.
DeleteCross your eyes? Does not make sense yet :), but I will try that next time.