My wife trips out because I can fall asleep so quickly. Well, here’s my technique on how to fall asleep quickly.
Since we’ve been married, which is now just over 13 years, my wife has always marveled at the fact that I can fall asleep so quickly and in a variety of circumstances. I have demonstrated my ability to fall asleep quickly on the couch, in a chair, in the car, on an airplane, and most importantly in my bed!
Why Sleep Is So Important
Per the National Institutes of Health, adults require 7-8 hours of sleep per night. But according to data from a National Health Interview survey, nearly 30% of adults reported an average of less than 6 hours of sleep per day. Getting the required amount of sleep that your body needs is important because during sleep is when your body is healing itself and recovering from whatever you put it through during your waking hours. If you lack sleep, you’ll be weaker overall and that puts your body at risk of infections and sickness. In addition, if you’re active and you’re exercising and working out, 7-8 hours (or more) are best so that your muscles can recover and build! Also, if you’re tired, your brain is not 100%, so decision-making and response times throughout the day could suffer.
Why Most People Have a Hard Time Falling Asleep
The number one reason most people have a hard time falling asleep is because they can’t turn off their mind. They lay in bed thinking about three things:
- All of the things that they did throughout the day
- All of the things they didn’t do throughout the day
- All of the things that they need to do tomorrow
It’s either these things or they spend time trolling Facebook and Instagram before trying to fall asleep. Going down the social media tunnel is a very bad habit before bedtime. I will admit, this is when I will take a few minutes to post any last-minute thoughts I may have before the day is over. I’m getting better at putting the phone down though.
My “Fall Asleep Quick” Technique
It works for me, so hopefully, if you’re having trouble falling asleep, this will work for you too!
STEP 1 – GET INTO YOUR MOST COMFORTABLE SLEEPING POSITION
This means the ONE position that you know is the go-to position for a good night’s rest. Use whatever pillows and blankets you need and go right into this position. I found mine by paying attention to how I was waking up in the morning. I was always waking up feeling really good, so I knew I had to recreate that same positioning when I’m about to fall asleep. My position starts with laying on my right hand side, pillow beneath my head, right arm under the pillow with my right hand still resting nicely on the mattress. Next, pillow between my legs; easy. Next, hugging a third pillow with my left arm. I hold this third pillow pretty tightly next to my chest. The final ingredient, which changes depending on the season, is my blanket. During Summer, the blanket drapes over my legs and during colder months, I will usually cover all the way up, even over my head sometimes, leaving a small opening for my face!
Ok, now that we’re in position, it’s time for…
STEP 2 – FOCUS ON BREATHING
When I close my eyes, I will deliberately start to take slower, deeper breaths. My goal with this is to slow my heart rate and relax my body. I think about all of my body parts relaxing; my bones, muscles, etc. A good example of this is when you are meditating. Same technique, but with meditation, you don’t want to fall asleep!
STEP 3 – LET YOUR DREAMS TAKE OVER
This is the most fun step. Instead of thinking about all of the things that I did, didn’t, or need to do, I just start thinking. I let my mind go! It may start with something that I did, didn’t, or need to do, but whatever it is, I just pick one and I roll with it. The idea behind this is to nudge your mind into thinking that you are dreaming already. In our dreams, we are full of possibilities and ideas. We go down many roads and follow many storylines, so let your mind go! Seriously, play with it, think about it as if it were a dream!
If at first I get stuck on a specific thing that I did, didn’t, or need to do, then I’ll usually pick one of my goals and start with that. As soon as my mind starts to wander, the next thing I know, it’s morning time, and it’s time to wake up.
Try it for Yourself
I’ve had great success! Even during some of my most stressful days, or if I’ve had coffee in the evenings, I’ve been able to fall asleep quickly by utilizing this technique.
Give it a try! Let me know how it works for you in the comments section below or on my Facebook page.
QUESTION FOR YOU
Do you have a special “Fall asleep quick” technique? Tell me about it in the comments below or on my Facebook page.
Clip Art by: Bastion
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