Religious Zen

My problem.

I used to find it hard- very hard- to get to sleep. I would toss and turn all night until the sun began peeking up above the horizon. Some nights I wouldn’t get to sleep at all. I didn’t necessarily suffer from insomnia, I just had dozens of bad nights that, for no particular reason, would not allow me to go to sleep. Over the years I have accumulated different methods and techniques that I use nowadays to get some shut-eye.

Because of this, I can now get to sleep anywhere within 10 minutes even if I’m not tired. So if the sandman has been absent from your house lately, implement these into your routine to get back on track.

1. Drink some warm milk and honey.

This is one of the first methods I tried on my quest for the land of nod. It worked with surprising results. Just put some honey in a small glass of milk and heat it in the microwave until it is a little warm- but nowhere near hot! Sip it slowly until gone, and it will help ease your restless bed slumber.

2. Get up earlier.

This is a bit crude, but it works. Simply get up earlier! We have only so much energy for each day so taking a chunk of hours from our nightly toss and turning routine and burning them in the morning should have you sleeping like a baby by sundown.

3. Exercise before bed.

Some like to exercise in the mornings, but not me. If I have any chance at all I love going for a run at night, and usually just before bedtime. Not only is this a great way to get more healthy, it will have the added benefit of using up some of that excess energy.

4. Avoid Caffeine & Soda.

Avoid those two things like the plague if you want to get to sleep at a decent hour! All that intake of extra energy will only serve to fuel jittery legs and open eyelids. Try not to ingest anything with caffeine in it anywhere from 1/2 an hour to 3 hours before bedtime depending on your weight and tolerance to it.

5. Take a warm bath.

Even if you plan to, or need to, take a shower in the morning, try getting a bath at night or earlier in the evening. It allows your body to ease into the stillness of the nighttime hours. Anyone who has sat through a warm classroom knows that warmth helps a person get to sleep whether they like it or not! The feeling of cleanliness also contributes to the well being of a person, and helps you have a sound sleep.

6. Read a book.

I’ve actually heard the exact opposite: that reading a book can help you stay awake at night. For me, and maybe for you, it’s different. Whenever I read a book it stimulates my mind, but makes my eyes nice and tired- in a good way. This is great for those that are in school because the best time to commit something to memory is just before you go to sleep. Your mind sort of focuses on some of its last thoughts easier and so you will be better for it while getting that much needed shut-eye.

7. Meditate.

If you are one to meditate but couldn’t find time during the day, in bed is a great place to do it (only if you’re trying to sleep, of course)! Use a modified version of a breathing technique I describe in this post. This time, however, let your mind wonder as quickly as possible You’ll find that your trail of thought will get you off to slumber land quicker than you can count a score of sheep.

8. Make love, not sleeping pills.

This is for those of you who’ve got a significant other by your side at night. Not only will it help your relationship, your health, and your well-being, it will also use up all that extra stored energy throughout the day and will result in a more sleepy you. It’s also fun, so why not?

Conclusion.

Hopefully these will help you like they have helped me. A person with enough sleep each night will be a happier person with more energy and gusto for getting through the next day.

Ironically, I wrote this on a night I could not sleep (I gave in and drank some soda). Perhaps someone out there really needed this article tonight!

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