Hi DarkLadyofMidnight. First up, welcome to PC. ...I only joined 3 months ago, but already I have recieved really constructive feedback and made some amazing contacts and friends. For anyone going through a hard time or those just wanting to reach out and have a chat.......this is the place.

As a sufferer of severe PTSD, I have a long standing habit of 'Haunting' my house into the small hours until exhaustion overtakes me. Most nights I just ride it out by keeping busy, as the more I stress about my inability to sleep the less I am able to sleep (I'm sure you know the feeling). However, I have a technique that helps me relax when I finally get to bed.

1. Lying on your back, ensure the covers aren't too tight around your body, especially your feet.

2. Focus on relaxing your limbs first, then your shoulders, then the rest of your body. This can take a while if you are feeling tense.

3. Once somewhat relaxed, focus your attention on your 'minds eye' (The spot just above your eyes in the middle of your forhead. Start thinking of different colours until one in particular lingers for an extended period.

4. Let's say that colour is green. Begin to really concentrate on this green by defining it's character. What shade of green is it? Is it lime green? Emerald green? Pastel peppermint green?

5. Once you have established the particular shade, hang on to that image by imagining that you are swimming and diving through it, that it surrounds your entire self, that you are wearing a magnificent gown and ornate jewels of the same colour. Imagine this colour pouring through you like a brilliant green light that reaches every part of your being.You are really only limited by your imagination...you may want to envisage yourself driving through velvet green grass in a shiny green sportscar...anything works.

6. During this process, the particular colour or shade may change shade or even change colour altogether…..just go with it. It may last a short while or much longer, however long the colour hangs around is fine. Continue conjuring up other colours, but try not to force them, as the ones that you need should come automatically.

This is what’s called taking a ‘Colour Shower’, and is meant to replenish certain energy that has been depleted. Sorry if this sounds a little ‘New Age..ish’ but believe me it truly takes you to another place in your mind. I often find that after I have done this, I just drift off to sleep, and have an uninterupted restful night. Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t work first time, keep trying and you will get it.

Sweet Dreams DarkLadyofMidnight, I'd be interested to hear if this works for you. Q.L