Tricks For Falling Asleep Quickly That Don"t Involve Counting Sheep
So, you're either bored of counting sheep or have found that the little furry creatures don't cut it for you when you want to fall asleep fast.
Here are some other tricks you can use so that you're asleep almost as soon as your head hits the pillow.
Take the time to relax Too often, we expect our mind to just be able to switch between whatever activity we were doing a few minutes ago and straight into sleep mode.
It isn't that simple - much like a car slowing down onto a slip road, our mind takes a while to come to terms with the idea that we want it to slow down.
Pencil in some relaxation time before you go to sleep - whether it's the mug of warm milk like you used to drink as a child or a relaxation MP3 or anything else that will allow it to untangle those last few things you were working on and allow you to get to sleep fast.
Cut out the caffeine later in the day Yes, that old culprit again.
But caffeine is generally bad news if your aim is to get a good night's rest.
If you really need an almost constant caffeine fix, experiment for a few days to find out how late you can drink a caffeinated drink and still get away with getting to sleep fast.
And remember that the "half life" on caffeine is quite severe, so don't even think about cutting it out all at once and going cold turkey.
Have some fun with your partner This X-rated idea is obviously not for our younger readers! I'll leave it to your imagination as to what to do but, especially if you're a man, this can be an easy way to fall asleep fast.
And if you're not currently with a willing partner, I'm sure you can find a work around solution.
Adjust the temperature This could be as simple as opening or closing a window.
Or it could involve changing your duvet for one with a more appropriate tog rating.
It's too easy to think that you'll do this tomorrow - that isn't an option if you want to get a good night's sleep tonight.
Breathe deeply Deep breathing is a good way to slow your body down and, in turn, that's a good way to help you get to sleep faster.
Take long, slow, deep breaths and take your time exhaling as well.
Do this as naturally as possible.
If you sound like you're doing an impression of a steam train, chances are that you are trying too hard.
Learn to quiet your mind This suggestion isn't a five minute solution but it is one that, with practice over time, is a great way to unwind and let you go to sleep faster.
Choose a method that you get along with, whether that's meditation, hypnosis or some other method of getting your mind to calm down.
Once you learn this trick, you'll be able to get to sleep fast no matter what.
Here are some other tricks you can use so that you're asleep almost as soon as your head hits the pillow.
Take the time to relax Too often, we expect our mind to just be able to switch between whatever activity we were doing a few minutes ago and straight into sleep mode.
It isn't that simple - much like a car slowing down onto a slip road, our mind takes a while to come to terms with the idea that we want it to slow down.
Pencil in some relaxation time before you go to sleep - whether it's the mug of warm milk like you used to drink as a child or a relaxation MP3 or anything else that will allow it to untangle those last few things you were working on and allow you to get to sleep fast.
Cut out the caffeine later in the day Yes, that old culprit again.
But caffeine is generally bad news if your aim is to get a good night's rest.
If you really need an almost constant caffeine fix, experiment for a few days to find out how late you can drink a caffeinated drink and still get away with getting to sleep fast.
And remember that the "half life" on caffeine is quite severe, so don't even think about cutting it out all at once and going cold turkey.
Have some fun with your partner This X-rated idea is obviously not for our younger readers! I'll leave it to your imagination as to what to do but, especially if you're a man, this can be an easy way to fall asleep fast.
And if you're not currently with a willing partner, I'm sure you can find a work around solution.
Adjust the temperature This could be as simple as opening or closing a window.
Or it could involve changing your duvet for one with a more appropriate tog rating.
It's too easy to think that you'll do this tomorrow - that isn't an option if you want to get a good night's sleep tonight.
Breathe deeply Deep breathing is a good way to slow your body down and, in turn, that's a good way to help you get to sleep faster.
Take long, slow, deep breaths and take your time exhaling as well.
Do this as naturally as possible.
If you sound like you're doing an impression of a steam train, chances are that you are trying too hard.
Learn to quiet your mind This suggestion isn't a five minute solution but it is one that, with practice over time, is a great way to unwind and let you go to sleep faster.
Choose a method that you get along with, whether that's meditation, hypnosis or some other method of getting your mind to calm down.
Once you learn this trick, you'll be able to get to sleep fast no matter what.