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shutterbug · 01-24-2006, 03:12 PM

There are a number of things you can try.

1. Relaxation/self-hypnosis CD's that tell you what to think about and focus on so as to get your mind and body to slow down and rest. One I like takes you through what is called "progressive muscle relaxation" and then it focuses specifically on thoughts.

2. Go to bed the same time every night.

3. Play a CD of peaceful music or natural sounds (the same CD) every night. I have done this now for about 3 months or more and it works like the Pavlov's dog thing. It conditions your brain and body over time to respond to the music in the same way each time - sleep. Your mind comes to connect those sounds with the act of sleep. So even if I'm not tired, when I lay down and turn on my CD....I fall asleep anyway.

4. I have a specific self-hypnosis/relaxation excersize I can type out for you if you would like....it's pretty simple and I use it whenever my mind races.

5. Reserve your bedroom for sleeping ONLY (and sex). Don't watch t.v. or read or do homework or ANYTHING mentally or physically stimulating. This is another way of conditioning your brain to connect that room with the act of sleep.

6. Keep it cool. When we fall asleep our body temps rise and if it is already warm in the room then we will quickly become hot and have a harder time sleeping.

I have more...but that's all I can think of for now.

Good luck!
Hugs,
Jenna

01-24-2006, 03:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
shutterbug A picture's worth a 1000 words Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: With any luck, I'm lost in a view finder Posts: 2,947 Blog Entries: 5	There are a number of things you can try. 1. Relaxation/self-hypnosis CD's that tell you what to think about and focus on so as to get your mind and body to slow down and rest. One I like takes you through what is called "progressive muscle relaxation" and then it focuses specifically on thoughts. 2. Go to bed the same time every night. 3. Play a CD of peaceful music or natural sounds (the same CD) every night. I have done this now for about 3 months or more and it works like the Pavlov's dog thing. It conditions your brain and body over time to respond to the music in the same way each time - sleep. Your mind comes to connect those sounds with the act of sleep. So even if I'm not tired, when I lay down and turn on my CD....I fall asleep anyway. 4. I have a specific self-hypnosis/relaxation excersize I can type out for you if you would like....it's pretty simple and I use it whenever my mind races. 5. Reserve your bedroom for sleeping ONLY (and sex). Don't watch t.v. or read or do homework or ANYTHING mentally or physically stimulating. This is another way of conditioning your brain to connect that room with the act of sleep. 6. Keep it cool. When we fall asleep our body temps rise and if it is already warm in the room then we will quickly become hot and have a harder time sleeping. I have more...but that's all I can think of for now. Good luck! Hugs, Jenna __________________ I'M FINE!! Fanatically Insecure Neuratic & Emotional Bipolar/Depression support: 1-800-950-NAMI(6264).