5 Ways to Get to Sleep and Sleep Better

These days people are working harder and sleeping less.  So much is riding on you getting up in the morning with a full nights sleep.  Everyone has been in a position where they had to get up in the morning for something important.  Job interview, important meeting.  What if you cant get to sleep? Sleeping pills from the drug store will work but you need at least 8 hours after taking them.  So, what if you don't have 8 hours.  Here are some techniques that may help you.


Turn Out All the Lights

Draw the curtains, shut off every light and close your bedroom door.  Make your bedroom as dark as possible.  Find some black drapes so the sunlight is completely blocked out.  Having any light will distract you and trick your brain into thinking its time to get up.  Seeing light also stimulates your brain and forces it to process information.

White Noise

White noise is a constant noise that isn't very loud but is loud enough to block out any other smaller noise that may startle you awake.  This explains why many people say that they cant get to sleep unless the TV is on or a radio is playing.  It sounds counter-intuitive but it works.

When I was a child I had an old metal fan that made a humming noise.  Once I got used to the noise the fan made I fell right asleep because the sound never changed.  It was the perfect white noise generator.

Use Sleep Inducing Aromas

With aromatherapy getting more popular there are scents to help you with everything you can imagine, including sleep.  What you want to find is Lavender or Chamomile, both of which are pretty common in the form of essential oils or candles.  If you can find them as essential oils mix a few drops in some water and spray it on your pillow.  Also, you could even just put a drop or two of the oil on your pillow.

Lavender candles for relaxing scent and soft light

Drink Sleep Inducing Agents

Tryptophan is a natural enzyme that will help your body relax.  Milk would be the best source that you would have on hand.  Heat it up in a microwave and sip like tea.  Speaking of tea, certain teas will also help you relax.  Among them. Chamomile, Lemon-balm and Green tea, as long as the Green tea is decaffeinated.  Make sure the drinks are hot or at least warm, the temperature itself will help as well.

Warm Milk is a tried and tested way

Decaffeinated Green Tea

Tire Out Your Brain

The less active your brain is the easier it will be to get to sleep.  Try reading by the light of a candle (preferably) and not a lamp.  The candle has natural, soft light and reading wont stimulate your brain as much as other activities.  Reading will relax your brain and get your mind off the fact you cant sleep, since you are doing it in bed hopefully sleep comes naturally.

Another technique is along the same lines as "counting sheep" but not so pedestrian.  Counting sheep is just a concept.  When you close your eyes you have to occupy your mind so are aren't concentrating on trying to sleep.  Think of a problem or set of problems they could be complicated or simple.  Try and figure out solutions to the problems or a multi-step solution.  You could take it a step further if you are into science or philosophy and decide to tackle a deeper issues.  Its all about occupying and tiring out your brain and getting your mind off the worry of trying to fall asleep.

Final Words

Give these techniques a try on a normal night to see which one works for you.  Then when a time occurs that you cant sleep you know which one is your "go to" technique.  You could even try them in combination.  Sip some warm milk while reading a book by the light of a Lavender candle.