Tricks to help you fall asleep

We all know that a hot, milky drink and a warm bath are supposed to relax you before bed, but for many of us we still struggle to nod off.

Over ten million prescriptions for sleeping pills are written every year in the UK alone. So it’s not a surprise that sleeping apps on phones these days being amongst the most popular downloaded. So here at Longbeds we thought it was about time we put together some top tips to help trick yourself to sleep.

Rewind your day

Remembering in detail how your day progressed in reverse order clears your mind of worries. When you recall conversations, sights and sound as you go this helps you to reach a mental state of mind that gets your body ready for sleep

Perfect temperature

It’s important to choose bedding that’s breathable, comfortable and sleep inducing.

Make a worry list

If you tend to make lists in your head of what you need to do the next day whilst your in bed then stop. This can be a major sign of insomnia. So before you even get into bed, write down your list on paper so you can forget it until next day. Once you do this once you actually get into bed you’ll find your mind much more calmer and able to switch off much easier.

Find your trigger

The key to this trick is to remember what can cause you to not sleep and what can help. Most people can think of the same things night after night that help then go to sleep. Remembering what comforts your mind is the key. Once you have established what it is then you should manage to train you brain to relax when you want.

Watch TV

Now this is not as easy as just turning the TV on. Experts say watching certain programmes can help the mind relax. For instance try watching a comedy film or programme. Laughter should take your mind off other thoughts and before you know it you’ll be getting drowsy.

Imagination

Visualisation meditation works best when you are least three senses. Open your mind and imagine yourself in a situation where you feel content. For example a tropical paradise in hot glorious weather whilst you sail on calm waters. Whilst you explore your ‘happy place’ imagine dipping your toe into the water or feeling the breeze whilst sailing. This should soon make you become relaxed and gently drift off.

Try to stay awake

Now this is a strange method but has been known to be successful. Sometimes challenging yourself to stay awake is the best way to fall asleep. If you keep your eyes wide open then repeat to yourself ‘I will not sleep’ the brain doesn’t process negatives well, so this interprets this as an instruction to sleep and eye muscles tire quickly leading you to fall asleep.