Follow these quick tips to stop insomnia and fall asleep fast.

1.  Log important events from your day.  We all have stress–work, kids, finances.   It’s amazing how stressful situations from the day sneak into our minds when we try to fall asleep.  Instead of mulling over these issues, try writing about the big stuff an hour or two before bed.  Getting the thoughts out of your mind and on paper (or a computer screen) will help you calm down when it’s time for bed.

2.  Stay cool.  It’s easier to fall asleep when your room is about 65 to 67 degrees.  Air conditioning can be expensive, especially in these bad economic times, so some other options include installing a ceiling fan (cheap to use), buying moisture-wicking sheets and breathable pajamas.

3.  Prepare your body for sleep.  Get into bed, lie down on your back.  Curl your toes for a count of 5, then release.  Do this 5 times.  Continue with various body parts (glutes, abs, chest, fingers) all the way up to your neck.  Your body will relax with this self-massage technique.

4.  No noise.  Trains, Canadian geese, snoring husbands or whatever other noises keep you awake can be drowned out with ear plugs or, if you are into music, relaxing, sleep-friendly music.  ITunes (music–>new age–>music for deep sleep) has lots of relaxing music or nature sounds to help you fall asleep.  

Give these tips a try for a couple of weeks.  Let us know how it goes.