
You're in the right place if you need to know some tips and tricks on how to fall asleep even when you are wide awake.
We've all had those situations where we needed to fall asleep when not tired at all. Usually it's due to the next day's schedule. You need to get up very early, and then be sharp all day, and You need some rest. Some of us are use to staying up late, and it's hard to fall asleep early when the schedule changes for whatever reason.
Because these situations are the exception rather than the rule most people will not have much experience of how to fall asleep especially when not the least bit tired.
People that have ongoing sleeping disorders are praticed and know how to fall asleep fast. People with conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea are most likely under a physcian's care and taking a medicine like Ambien or using a breathing apparatus.
There are all the rules about exercising, not eating late, and sticking to a regular sleep schedule, but what about times that, for no reason at all, it's impossible to get to sleep. Nothing seems to be working.
Try some Chamomile (pronounced "kam-uh-mahyl") tea. It has a
sedative effect and is used as a mild sleep aid by herbalists. It is a
natural plant that is thought to have many positive effects in addition
to helping people fall asleep fast.
Take a melatonin supplement that you can buy at any health food store or on the internet. Melatonin is the body's natural hormone, produced by a small gland in the brain, that tells your body to fall asleep. If you need to fall asleep when you are not the least bit tired, a little extra melatonin in your body will help immensely.
If you don't want to spend money on supplements, try having some milk (warm or cool) and cheddar cheese about an hour before you want to fall asleep. Both foods contain tryptophan which the body converts into serotonin, and which in turn is further metabolized into melatonin by the pineal gland. Melatonin has also shown promise as an anti-depressant. So you get the added benefit of dealing with any stress that might be keeping you awake.
Creating an environment that is conducive to sleep is a must. While you don't need to have the entire sleep enhancing conditions, it is important that you change the sleep environment by providing a relaxing atmosphere. Most things you can do take very little effort or special materials.
Fresh, clean sheets and a nicely made bed are both enticing and comforable once you are in it.
The body's natural production of melatonin is a result of darkness. Therefore, you need a dark room or a sleeping mask.
A hot shower will relax your muscles.
Spreading some lavender oil or spray lightly around the edge of your pillowcase will provide a pleasing and comforting aroma that provides a unique and relaxing effect.
Many people find a cool room provides a freshness that is relaxing. Open a window if it can be done without increasing noise. A slight wind rustling the leaves of trees provides a very soothing environment.
The old stand-bys are reading and a very low volume TV program that is droning and boring. With regard to reading try a difficult book like Aristotle or Proust. The required concentration level can help you fall asleep fast.
Some people have success with "braindumps." This entails writing down everything that is on your mind which provides an emotional release and promotes a feeling of freedom.
People play the "alphabet game" that is an updated version of counting sheep. The repitition and concentration help you fall asleep. Pick a category, such as song titles, food that comes in cans, names of animals, etc, and start naming one for each letter of the alphabet (asparagus, beans, carrots, dates, eggplant, and so on).
Softly play an audio book that you've listened to before.
Relax through visualization. Close your eyes and create your fantasy. Visualize the perfect vacation - where you would go and what you would do. Fantasize about redecorating your house.
Last but not least, try the muscle relaxtion technique. Lay in bed and starting with one foot tense your muscles, hold for 4 seconds and relax. Do the other foot and on up your legs until you've gotten all the way to your neck. At that point you should feel like a wet noodle and be ready to fall asleep.
Here is a short video that discusses the importance of sleep and gives you an overview of the most common sleep disorders.