falling asleep

What does your brain do to fall asleep?

My boyfriend can just fall asleep in a minute. I'm not sure how he can just turn his brain off so quickly to settle down. For me, I have to daydream about something so my brain has something to focus on. An example would be for me to think about all the steps I would go through if I won the lottery - finding out, going to claim the ticket, talking to my friends and family, etc. I basically have to hyperfocus on something so it doesn't meander around on work, home, etc.

Re: falling asleep

If I'm very tired, it's easy.
If I'm trying to force myself to go to bed at a decent hour and I'm not tired, my mind just races.
I have taken to listening to Podcasts with one of those Bluetooth headbands for listening to music while you sleep.
Focusing on the story being told, helps my mind not race. ( of course i have to find my place the next day because i fall asleep mid episode but that's ok )

I also find a CBD/Melatonin combo is good for falling asleep

Re: falling asleep

I can't nap as it takes me way too long to fall asleep so when I go to bed at night, if NO ONE bothers me, it is dark and quiet, I have no problem sleeping.

It is more of the other issues that keep me awake.

Re: falling asleep

Usually I turn on a YouTube video or podcast. I fall asleep within 10 minutes.

falling asleep

I'm like you. I definitely have to focus on a "story" to turn my brain off from all the crap of the day.

falling asleep

I'm like your BF, i can sleep anywhere at any time for hours and hours. My DH on the other hand can not shut his brain down. He's tried everything and is not on CBD gummies that help him get tired enough to fall asleep quicker.

falling asleep

I am so ritualistic about sleep. I have a sound machine on and listen to a sleep cast. The room has to be cold and dark. I have to wear my retainer - lol. My husband also has a sleep mask. I have ear plugs in case I hear anything.

Re: falling asleep

I pray virtually every night right before I fall asleep. It puts me in a tranquil mood.

I'm not super religious. I'm a cafeteria Catholic, but I am very spiritual. I don't typically say formal prayers, but I just have a conversation with God and/or passed loved ones before I drift off.

Message edited 5/13/2022 11:28:27 AM.

falling asleep

Haven't been able to fall asleep without medication in about 10 years. I really think there is something wrong with my brain, like I'm lacking some hormone or something. I can't nap either. It sucks.

Re: falling asleep

i started working out at night, which i know is not the best for your body since you're supposed to be winding down before bed. but it exhausts me.

my problem is not falling asleep but STAYING asleep. hot flashes a go go

Re: falling asleep

Posted by Mushesgirl

my problem is not falling asleep but STAYING asleep. hot flashes a go go

falling asleep

I can sleep absolutely anywhere and in any position.

Re: falling asleep

Posted by Funkybutt

Posted by Mushesgirl

my problem is not falling asleep but STAYING asleep. hot flashes a go go

Something weird started happening last year when I went thru menopause. I'm usually hot as I wind down at night, but as my body starts to fall asleep, I start to get cold. My temperature is mostly ok the rest of the night, until I wake up and my brain wakes up. Then I get hot. So - if I go to the bathroom - I try not to think of anything and keep myself calm, so my brain doesn't wake up. Because then I'll get hot and it'll take me a while to fall back asleep.

Re: falling asleep

I just don’t think about anything and start breathing deeply and typically fall asleep right away. I’m very overtired though.