The Week With All The Sleep
January 9, 2012 in 52 Delights Project
Well it’s time to get back on track with the 52 Delights Project and start making some more small changes to my life in the hope that something fabulous comes out of it.
This week I’m tackling sleep. It may sound like a strange thing to spend a week working on because surely it’s as simple as closing your eyes and just get to sleeping, but generally it’s not as easy as that for me.
I take a long time to drift off to sleep usually because, for some unknown reason, my brain comes up with all its weird and wonderful ideas right when I go to bed! Does this happen to anyone else?
I’m going to try a handful of different techniques this week to see if I can have a restful 7 days of deep sleep.
- Regular bedtime. People always say that you should stick to a routine when it comes to getting a great sleep, so I’m aiming to set a regular bedtime of 10pm in the hope that I get to sleep by 10.30.
- Unplugging. Half the time I think my mind is racing because it’s stimulated by social media, internet searches and television right before I go to sleep, so now that all shuts off half an hour before bed. Reading is allowed though. :)
- Meditation. I am going to download a number of different mediatation tracks to help me wind down before bed and focus on my breath. If you have any recommendations, please do let me know in the comments!
- Monitoring app. I recently downloaded an app on my iPhone called Sleep Cycle which monitors your sleeping patterns and attempts to wake you up within half an hour of your alarm in your lightest sleep cycle so you feel refreshed rather than groggy. It’s really interesting and only cost me $0.99!
For me, a little reading of a nice book with the window open to allow the breeze to blow on my face. Doesn’t take long then! I also sometimes go to bed with a notepad so i can jot down everything on my mind (to do, ideas etc) then its released. Zzzzzzz
I have definitely tried the notebook thing, I think it’s not enough for me to write the idea down as I start to flesh out every piece of it! Will have a go at letting a breeze into the bedroom, that sounds lovely! Thanks for the ideas. :) x
I’m working on the sleep thing as well. Kinda hard with a four month old- it all depends on her. But since I’ve put more attention into a regular bed time things are going better. And i also read a bit before drifting off.
I don’t really have trouble falling asleep (thanks to the kids) i like the sound of that app will check it out as I often wake up groggy.
I have heard valerian (all natural herbs) is good for giving you a really restful deep sleep
I’m definitely going to add some reading before bed, it seems to work for a lot of people to help calm the mind and focus on something that isn’t their day to day lives or plans. I’ve never heard of valerian – will have to look this up. Thanks for the tip Caz! xx
Just came back to see comments! Also, melatonin is a great supplement that I know several people use. It’s a naturally occuring hormone in your body. You take the supplement and it responds to darkness to help you go to sleep.
Oooh thank you for the extra tip – I actually didn’t know that. Will grab some this weekend. Thanks! xx
If I’m on overdrive I find making time for a little meditation before bed is great. Switch off all the electronical gagets, some soft music, a scented candle, cleanse, tone, & moisteroise your skin, sit quietly for a few minutes, close your eyes, if anything big or important comes to mind then jot it down, then image that worry floating away like a balloon. Just a few of my little tips : ) I also love the Sleep Cycle App on iPhone.
Jenn x
Thanks for your tips Jenn, the meditation is working really well actually. I’m not a pro at it yet, but I’m getting better!
I love your balloon image, I’ll give that a whirl. :) xx
Eating and drinking late is often a major fault of mine, so I’ve been trying to get rid of that horrible habit. And along with keeping a regular bed time, I try to wake up at the same time everyday, regardless of my work schedule (which varies) — It keeps my whole sleeping pattern in check, and (hopefully) prevents me from sleeping in too much, lol!
Tiera, I think one of my problems is eating too much! I always sleep better when I’ve eaten a smaller portion size. I get up at the same time every day too (although my boyfriend loves to sleep in on the weekend, so I get up and do a bit of blogging – perfect)! Thanks for commenting. xx
One of my bad habits is also to use computer too late. Instead of reading, audio books or some inspirational lectures work really well. Shakti/acupuncture mat is also really relaxing and I love this Sleep Easily app http://itunes.apple.com/app/sleep-easily-meditation-by/id458059886?mt=8
Merja, I’m always guilty of this. Computer and phone, I’m terrible! Audio books are a great idea – I’ll have to investigate the mat, I’ve never heard of them before. Thanks so much for your suggestions! xx
Ah I am the same with the overstimulation before bed… too many times I have sat in bed on my laptop or on my phone – then it takes me so long to ‘wind down’ while listening to the boy’s restful breathing.
Leaving my laptop out of the bedroom has helped me heaps lately, as has a regular wake up time and morning exercise – now by the time I get in bed I am literally exhausted!
Hope your changes have helped!
ps. my mum swears by melatonin too but I have never tried it
I need to stop taking my laptop to bed too Jasmine, a terrible habit! It’s probably the main cause of my overstimulation before bed, that and planning a million brilliant (and not-so-brilliant) ideas. Thanks so much for the melatonin idea too. :) xx
I’m a bit late to the play here, but a psychologist told me years ago to listen to children’s audio books to help get to sleep. It switches the brain into a nice place – you don’t have to think too much to focus on it, and the detail helps you drift away from your own thoughts. I now know almost all of Harry Potter off by heart, but I swear by this trick! My library in Wellington lets you download audiobooks for free from the website, (I just log in with my details) and I have started listening to non-committal chick-lit – this really helps me drift off to sleep, and it’s enough for my busy mind to have something to focus on – but not too much to keep me awake and alert!
Wow, what an interesting idea Rach! Thanks so much for sharing, I’ll have to check out the Melbourne libraries for audio books, sounds like a great way to doze off! xx