Restfulness ..... the answer to sleeplessness.....

Years ago, my doctor advised me to get up for a while, rather than toss and turn in my sleepless state.

It is often better to get up after an hour or so of trying to sleep...than to keep trying. Think over and analyze what is on your mind. If possible.... DO what is on your mind. Doing whatever is bugging you the most can be very therapeutic. Productiveness seems to help me very much. If I can't rattle around the house cleaning my kitchen, for fear of disturbing the other sleeping members at a late hour; can I at least get caught up on my e-mails?
If you are a list maker; sitting up and reworking your lists and perhaps even rescheduling most everything...will actually bring your mind into an state of "caught--up--ness"!
I actually got brave and rescheduled a dental appointment just to ease up a very hectic week. It is worth a lot to move "stuff" around and take a "rain check" on an appointment or two. Giving yourself an extension is kind of fun and making yourself a "I've done it" list is even more accelerating.
Some of these tactics should release the brain of your usual "can't get caught up" torment. Be prepared for the flip side of this behaviour. Your brain may not like it at first. It almost only knows feelings of "not done", "so much to do", or "should have more done". I went through a number of years where I began to recognize depression when I DID catch up! After all; how would I spend my time if everything was completed? It was better to leave things in disarray. Upon realizing this; I needed to make a hobby list!!!

When you finally get back into bed; it helps to remember that your body is positionally in a restful position. Now you can give your body permission to just look up at the black ceiling, and even if you never sleep a wink all night, it is going to be okay. Try breathing deeply and you will relax more quickly. Sometimes I synchronize my breathing with my husband's, as he sleeps so easily beside me.

Getting to a place of restfulness with yourself takes time. Be patient. It is worth the long journey.....

AND

Remember that pulling an all night-er can be an exception; but not the rule!