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What can I do to fall asleep faster?

45 Answers
Last Updated: 04/25/2022 at 12:29pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United Kingdom
Moderated by

Tanyia Hughes, Adv Dip Psy

Psychotherapist

I have been through a lot in life too, which helps me to be able to empathize with situations, thoughts and feelings that we have. Sometimes, it's not easy just being human.

Top Rated Answers
AndrePasolympia
October 6th, 2014 10:46pm
Aware of my breathing.. aware of my body.. aware of my tension.. and let go all of them in the deepest bliss.. the infinite possibilities.. the abyss of love.. let go.. just let go.. and let your body and mind.. rest.. rest.. and rest..
Varna
November 16th, 2014 6:49pm
Make sure have a peaceful environment. Try listening to melodious and soothing music. Massaging and oiling your hair regularly not only improves blood circulation but induces sleep as well. Taking deep breaths and concentrating on your breathing also helps you sleep faster. You can also try counting 1-100 and backwards in your mind while sleeping. Atleast one of these must work. Happy sleeping! :)
PhoebeKK
September 21st, 2014 3:48pm
I don't personally know you but for me, I listen to music or read a book. Do you think that might help?
sofchologist
October 16th, 2014 3:50pm
Try to feel the air getting in and out of your lungs, and try to focus on the feeling you get by doing it.
bountifulWhisper17
July 3rd, 2018 12:02am
To fall asleep faster, there are many methods that may help. These consist of listening to calm music before bed, staying away from electronics up to an hour before going to bed (i know, it can be hard to do this step sometimes), reading a book, meditating, trying to keep yourself awake (i know it may sound the opposite of what you want to do, but trying to stay awake tricks your mind into becoming more tired), slowly counting up to 100 (this helps calm your mind and helps prevent you to think about other things that may keep you awake), and keeping your room at about a 65 degree temperature (sometimes you may not be able to fall asleep if you are too hot). I hope this helps!
fruitysunshine
May 2nd, 2017 12:12pm
Sleeping can be tricky for some as for rest of the others with the hard work and tiredness people sleep but for some no matter how much you work hard throughout the day you will be wide awake in the night or struggling to sleep. I think this is related to our peace of mind, if our mind is wandering with different thoughts and emotions are overflowing we are unable to sleep in the night. Usually when this happens to me I listen to tibetan bowl sounds - Close my eyes with a Shavasana yoga pose and listen to the sounds while deep inhale and exhale. Again my mind tries to wander but no matter what I try to bring it back again to concentrate the bowl sounds, It soothes my mind and stops all the thoughts, within minutes I fall asleep. This works for me, so it can work for you as well there are different music which helps us to sleep but personally I like tibetian bowl sound. There are other ways to sleep fast is to scribble a page with whatever thoughts are flowing on your mind that time. Hope this helps, thank you :)
jennynenny143
November 11th, 2014 2:53am
Melatonin supplements are my secret trick! They are healthy, natural sleep aids with no drowsy after effects! Melatonin is stored in the brain, and can actually be found in a lot of foods. My old Psychology teacher used to tell us, "If you can't sleep, have a milkshake!"
JungRogers1950
January 12th, 2016 10:16am
Focus on your breathing and all of the sensations associated with it (sound of breathing, feeling of air passing through nostrils and throat, the rhythm of your breaths).
WendyChatter
April 25th, 2022 12:29pm
I use Melatonin Gummies when I can't sleep. They are relatively cheap and you can get them anywhere. I can lie awake tossing and turning, with my mind going in circles for hours -- wishing for sleep. I take one yummy Melatonin gummy and go back to bed. Oddly enough, I don't think about it, I don't try to sleep, and BOOM I simply fall asleep. AND I sleep good too. From the web: "Melatonin is a hormone that your brain produces in response to darkness. It helps with the timing of your circadian rhythms (24-hour internal clock) and with sleep. Being exposed to light at night can block melatonin production." Don't overdo it, like with anything -- but it certainly helps me when I need my sleep! Best Wishes!
Anonymous
January 19th, 2016 4:06am
To fall asleep faster for me as having insomnia I am prescribed medicine to help me sleep. I also sometimes would read a book or listen to music to help me fall asleep a little a faster.
Anonymous
March 15th, 2016 4:17am
Build a night time routine, exhaust yourself physically by going to the gym, meditate, journal, draw, do anything that takes your mind off of things. Dim your room & limit access to monitors/ devices.
Anonymous
March 22nd, 2016 9:49am
Relaxing before getting into bed, do something that relaxes you maybe read of a relaxation tape or relaxing sounds.
karp
March 22nd, 2016 2:47pm
Think about all the great things that happened in your life and all the things you would like to happen. These thoughts will put your mind at ease and help you fall to sleep faster.
floatingonclouds
March 29th, 2016 5:17am
Meditate before bed, or do mindfulness exercises, don't look at an LED screen (phone, laptop, tv etc) less than half an hour before bed, and try reading a book!
Angelynn
May 23rd, 2016 3:18am
Tea is your best friend when trying to fall asleep. Look for anything with chamomile or lavender in it. I personally make homemade rooibos tea with chamomile, lavender, and just a little valerian. You can find all of these at any co-op or bulk herbs store. It'll send you to sleep faster than melatonin.
Anonymous
July 12th, 2016 2:10pm
Putting on soft ambient music or white noise helps for some people. Apart from that, certain scents/essential oils I believe or tea such as chamomile can help. I personally enjoy a hot foot bath or warm shower before bed :)
Anonymous
July 19th, 2016 1:33pm
by making it a habit too sleep at certain time and by maintaining proper sleep timings.you can..yes reallyy!
mjnthr
July 26th, 2016 10:33pm
I find there are multiple ways to fall asleep faster: * avoid alcohol, coffee, cigarettes and soft drinks for at least 3-4 hours before going to sleep * avoid eating for 3-4 hours before going to sleep * take a warm shower right before going to bed * don't use any devices (watch TV/use phone or computer) at least one hour before going to sleep - if that is not possible, look into applications which change the computer/phone display to a warmer color (the blue light is responsible for keeping you awake) * try meditating for a few minutes before going to sleep * exercise during the day, but no later than 1-2 hours before going to sleep * try to wake up and go to sleep at the same time every day to get your body accustomed to a schedule * try to keep the bed, and if possible the bedroom as a place dedicated solely for bed-related business (don't do homework/use your laptop in bed) so your brain knows that when you get in bed it's generally time to sleep
HelpingHand315
August 23rd, 2016 8:24pm
Try to avoid being on your phone/tablet/computer, drink some calming tea, maybe do some breathing excercises and try to keep the room a bit cooler than the rest of your house.
Lovedone
September 18th, 2016 10:48pm
Only get into bed 30 minutes before bedtime. This way, once you've made this a habit, your body and brain associate bed with sleep time.
Paige81
May 23rd, 2017 2:40am
Developing a bedtime routine will help you to fall asleep faster as well as enjoy a better quality of sleep. Turning off electronics, going to bed at the same time every night and doing something every night as part of a routine like washing your face or taking a few minutes to reflect on your day can help signal your body that its time for sleep.
happyDreamer58
August 28th, 2017 4:17am
Cut out all electronics 1 hour before bed time as the brightness of the screen can effect your brain by making it think that it is time to be awake because of the light.
fruitCat
September 26th, 2017 10:23pm
Start practicing sleep 'hygiene': always use your bed for sleep and only sleep. That way, your brain will link your bed and sleep, so when you go to bed, you will feel sleepier. Also, try to have a sleep/bedtime routine: go to sleep at a similar time every day, do the same things just before you go to sleep (again, so your brain associates those things with sleep and gets ready to sleep). Try to keep lights (especially blue light sources such as screens) away from you, dimmed or off at this point, to help you adjust and relax a little. Your brain associates low light levels with sleep, so this will help you get to sleep a little faster. Finally, try not to eat or exercise too close to bedtime (unless you have to, of course) as this can make it take longer to get to sleep. Do try to exercise as some point during the day, though, ideally four to six hpurs before you sleep. I hope at least some of those tips help :)
Anonymous
July 24th, 2018 10:27pm
You can drink a calming tea or listen to your breathing. Also having warm milk helps. Sometimes I’ll put my arm under my ear and listen to my pulse
Listener12345678910
April 21st, 2020 8:49am
Practicing good sleep hygiene and getting into a good sleep routine is really helpful to fall asleep faster. Sleep hygiene is making sure your bedroom is conducive to a good sleep. Only use your bed for sleeping, not reading or watching television. This ensures your body associates your bed with sleep and sleep only. Also, staying off screens at least an hour before bed. This ensures that your mind winds down enough to be able to sleep. Have a clear sleep routine and start it well before sleep time i.e. shower, tea, facecream ect. This will prep your body for bed!
Anonymous
November 9th, 2014 10:34pm
You could use sachets filled with herbs that protect you from nightmares and also help you fall asleep, be sure to use the right herbs.
Silentmoon
October 8th, 2014 4:48pm
If you want you can listening to ASMR, it's the the sound of whispering. You can find a lot of videos on the web. It's very relaxing
Harri
October 19th, 2014 2:53pm
Getting some good exercise regularly through the day can be great, maybe going for a jog once a day.
conrad1337
October 20th, 2014 5:24am
Eating healthy and setting up a rigid sleep regiment is a very good start! Once you get into the habit of sleeping at a set time, you will find it easier to get to sleep!
ChrisRabin
October 22nd, 2014 11:08pm
Before you sleep, Take 5 deep consecutive breaths. Lie down and feel the load of oxygen in your brain :)