To ask how you fall asleep

[WindowWonder]

I can’t switch off. My mind races with everything I’ve done that day/need to do the next day.
I’m knackered all day, go to bed and PING wide awake!!!
Please give me some pointers before I go nuts!

This has really worked for me.

Chill Pill Hypnosis - Relaxation and Mindfulness Stress Reduction by James Holmes itunes.apple.com/gb/app/chill-pill-hypnosis-weight-loss-relaxation-mindfulness/id918930867?mt=8

Melatonin...

Just had a look at a few ASMR videos thinking it might just be what I need... urgh. I can’t stand whispering

I try and imagine negative thoughts as a black cloud that flows out of my mind and dissipates in the air, when the thoughts are mostly gone I imagine a soothing white light that surrounds me and gradually spreads to surround everything around me. As it spreads, I usually fall asleep

Harry Potter audiobook

Makes notes of everything you do need to do the following day I find that helps my mind stop focusing on that

Head touches the pillow- im gone. DH is always amazed.

@Guineapiglet345 I'm the same. No TV means definitely no sleep.
But I can only go to sleep to Friends or something like that.

If my mind is racing then I make lists & a skeleton plan how everything will get done. That usually allows me to let go for the night.

Match of the Day. It's extraordinary. I normally take quite a while to nod off in bed but, on the odd occasions I join DH on the sofa to watch MOTD, I barely get past the opening theme music.

I discovered Piriton by accident once too. Took the recommended dose for a mild allergic reaction to something and, boom, nothing could keep my eyes open and that was the middle of the day. Very disconcerting feeling, actually, so I don't think I'd use it deliberately.

I have had idiopathic insomnia most of my life, none of the usual methods work for me. I have melatonin but don't like to use it all the time. No help, sorry

I did a taster mindfulness course. What I got out of it, and what I've found helped is not to let yourself get wound up when your mind goes off.

I've developed a sort of looking at nothing technique. I close my eyes and imagine focusing on a spot just in front of my face. Inevitably my mind races off and I just mental sigh or roll my eyes and pull my focus back. It takes practise and gets easier. Some people find it easier to visualise a shape

I use it in conjunction with 4,7,8 breathing technique.
With practise, I can now do it 4 secs, 7 secs, 8 secs. I have a ticking clock so focus on that as well.

I think the key is not to get stressed. Accept that you aren't asleep but that you are in bed, hopefully you're relaxed and you're resting your body.

I read to wind down. Then I put on medication music which helps me drop off really quickly.

Get up at 5am every day you'll be out like a light by 9ish

Make sure you are warm enough. I can’t sleep if I’m not.

Awesome suggestions! Thanks. Ironically, when I posted this last night, I fell asleep! Will give them a go tonight though when the inevitable insomnia kicks in

Reverse psychology works for me, I tell myself over and over "don't fall asleep, don't fall asleep" I don't think about anything else but them words and within minutes I'm asleep

A ticking clock would drive me insane and keep me up all night!

Hope you find what works for you, OP.

A ticking clock would drive me insane and keep me up all night!
It's about finding what works for you.
My clock isn't that loud, it's just the clicking of the hand moving rather than an old fashioned tick/tock.
I can only hear it if I really listen for it - I suspect this is why it helps with the sleep exercise.

Make sure you are warm enough
But it's equally important not to be over hot.
I've often found getting into bed feeling cold and warming up is a good way of relaxing and sleeping. Used to help me with migraine too.

I listen to political podcasts. I fall asleep beautifully to newscast & analysis. Wouldn't stop a racing mind, though, which is what OP mentioned was her specific impediment.