A question:

[starrylizard]

Does anybody know some good relaxation techniques and such for getting to sleep?

The one where you concentrate on stretching and relaxing different muscles never seems to work for me. I used to write fic in my head or just concentrate on a past happy memory, but even that doesn't work these days and ... well sleep deprived me is not a very nice me to have to deal with. I just need something to distract my brain and make it switch off for the day (...and preferably have it stay that way for a nice 6-7 hours).

Any suggestions at all, no matter how obscure, would be welcomed.

*wanders off to nap for an hour or so*

Comments

[sakuracorr.livejournal.com]

*hugs* I usually do the story in my head thing, so :\

Alcohol works wonders! :P

[lark_ascends]

See, I never used to find that the stretching and relaxing different muscles worked, until I got my relaxation tape. Although, it's never actually sent me to sleep,just made me really comfortable. But I haven't actually tried the tape properly at bed time (she put in an insomnia suggestion).

I find white noise often helps too, it's great when the outside unit for the air conditioner is going.

If there's a counselling service at Sydney uni, go and see them. They might have some suggestions.

*hugs*

[kaaatie.livejournal.com]

I try to remember 'lists' of things in my head --- for example, name each of the episodes of SGA in order. I guess its sort of like a more complex version of counting sheep! It works for me, though it seems really silly when I write it down! (the only problem is when I can't remember one --- sometimes I'll just fall asleep thinking about it --- but sometimes I have to get out of bed and check, which really just defeats the whole purpose!!)

[starrylizard.livejournal.com]

No it makes sense and it sounds worth a go. My memory is pretty bad though. Maybe I could use the alphabet game or something that has multiple possible answers. Thanks.

I have the same problem with the fic thing at the moment, because I seem to get a good idea, just as I'm dropping off to sleep and I want to scribble it down. I now have a note pad next to my bed. *shakes head* Silly me.

[starrylizard.livejournal.com]

Alcohol works wonders! :P
Yeah I know. It does. *nods* Not a very good long-term solution though. *grins*
*hugs you*

[starrylizard.livejournal.com]

I find white noise often helps too
Maybe. Rain on the roof always puts me to sleep. It's so peaceful and it covers up the traffic noises nicely. I'll have a look at those nature places...maybe they sell such things.

[pixie-on-acid.livejournal.com]

Came here via rinkle

I find that simple deep-breathing techniques help. Just very deep even breaths and focussing on the breathing. No worrying about stretching and relaxing muscles (which distracts me and keeps me awake).

I find fic doesn't put me to sleep, I have to get up and write it.

[starrylizard.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the advice. I have done deep breathing exercises before, but only in a group with someone telling us all what to do and I didn't like that very much. It's probably far more relaxing when you do it by yourself.

Cool. Should my weird little insomnia spells hit again, I will have some new ammunition with which to fight back.