Tired of tossing in bed? Here is a 101 guide on falling asleep fast

A task as simple as falling asleep can sometimes become the hardest thing to do. You know you need it, your body needs it, you are tired, yet you are unable to sleep because of the complexity that is our mind. One of the most common reasons for not being able to sleep is because of an hyperactive mind. We find it hard to stop the 2 a.m. thoughts. When we approach people with our problem, the common advice is that “You need to stop thinking.” Well, it is easier said than done.

A study published by the National Library of Medicine found that the smallest of things like not eating your meals on time, having repeated cups of coffee or not exercising regularly can affect our sleep patterns drastically. Apart from ensuring that we avoid doing the above mentioned things, the most important cure will be to engage our mind in something mindless, that is, basically try to distract your mind from diving into deep thoughts.

Here are 5 ways that will make your stressful thoughts vanish away and make some room for your dreams:

1. Listen to music

This is one of the oldest tricks in the book when the question arises of “How to fall asleep fast?” Several studies have found out that listening to calming music can lower our heart rate and put our mind and body in a state of rest. It also allows our mind to stop thinking as we slowly start to focus on the lyrics. If you are not a music fan, listening to a podcast or some stories can also help.

Also Read: Listening to calming music at night can help the elderly sleep better.

2. Count

Counting stars is not just a romantic thing. When people in villages used to lie down under the sky, on a manji (bed), they used to count stars to fall asleep. Counting puts our mind in a repetitive rhythm which allows us to sleep quickly. Now, we know it is hard to find stars in the city skylines but we can surely find something else to count. “Counting sheep” is something that has caught on over the years, or you can count squares in your bedroom wallpaper or can count backwards in multiples of three.

3. Read a book

No, we don’t mean that you read boring books that will make you snore away but instead, find a book that you can lose yourself into. You need a book that will grab your attention and prevent your thoughts from wandering. This will help you to fall asleep fast.

4. Practice meditation

Meditating is one of the best ways to empty your mind. Meditating for just 10 minutes before you go to bed will leave your mind in a calm and peaceful state, just like a ripple-less lake.

5. Journaling

Journaling your thoughts and emotions will help you vent out all your thoughts before sleeping. Writing about what has been bothering you gives you a sense of acceptance for your current situation and that leads you to go to bed without any baggage.

So, go on, try these methods and dream on!