[now.or.never]

I'm so tired but I just can't fall asleep.
Is there something I can do that could help? No pills please. I don't want to get used to them.

Originally Posted by now.or.never

I'm so tired but I just can't fall asleep.
Is there something I can do that could help? No pills please. I don't want to get used to them.

Hi now.or.never

Could you tell us a little more about what your bed time routine is at the moment. I think a lot of people would be interested in getting more sleep .

[now.or.never]

hey terry,
well, it's 3:30AM and I've been lying in bed since 12:00AM.
Last night was the same, I think I fell asleep at 4:00AM and woke up at 8:00AM in the morning because I had to go to uni. I didn't take a nap or anything today so I could easily sleep at night (that's what I thought and clearly it didn't work). I mean, Im really tired right now.. Why can't I just fall asleep?

[cherrygash321]

Ok, from what I know...

Don't drink caffeine (tea,coffee,soda,chocolate) past 4pm.
Exercise moderately throughout the week, ex. some cardio or kick-boxing lets you work off some stress
Make your bed the "sleep" place, no work or rec. in your room, JUST SLEEP
Write down a list of things you need to do or errands or things running in your head, like a journal (it helps with the stress of keeping track of things)
Don't eat right before bed
Make a sleep schedule and stick to it, so your body gets in the habit of sleeping and waking at the same times
Melatonin is over the counter. As far as I know it is safe and non-habit forming.
I drink hot decafe tea sometimes to relax before bed
Focus on your breathing as you lie in bed

these are a few things ive picked up. hope something helps.

Originally Posted by now.or.never

I'm so tired but I just can't fall asleep.
Is there something I can do that could help? No pills please. I don't want to get used to them.

You could listen to relaxation videos or search "relaxation videos" on youtube. After that, listen to them and this could help. I like to listen to whisper videos before I go to sleep. Sorry I know it's weird listening to people whispering but it helps me relax. Try breathing techniques such as breathing slowly, this may help you relax as well. What else you could do is drink milk, read a boring book. You could listen to calming music. When you're trying to sleep, try to think of something in your head calming which could be your favourite place to visit or a beach e.g. You could try thinking an action e.g. walking down stairs, and thinking of it again and again.

I hope this helps you

[FrenzyRose]

I experiencing the same. The problem with me is I am being occupied with so much thinking..You too? Sometimes I suddenly get up from bed, sit and relax.. Empty my mind, or if after trying, none change I just think I am a water from glass which suddenly spill out and now flowing , starting to evaporate, and there, sometimes I am not that successful to force myself. I talk talk to Jesus, I write his name in my heart, not pen, just my fingers...
Well there some more to do in your exercise habit and healthy intakes...Okay, that could be all for now , I need some rest........
...

[Amoslass]

Ah sleep...that'd be nice, yes? It's now 4am for me, went to be around 9.30pm. Yay.

I've tried every single trick under the sun (er, moon)....
warm milk
sticking to a routine
no strenuous exercise before bed
dark room
soothing relaxation cds
no stimulus (tv, computers, etc)
valerian tablets - even the extra strength ones

etc
etc

I feel your frustration. I think it's my brain, I wish it had an off switch!

[IceCreamKid]

Good ideas, thanks and now that you mention it, I have a cd that is for meditation that always put me to sleep -- since I have insomnia, I should dig it out and try it. Brilliant, Happycheeks!