HEALTH - Can't Sleep? Simple Tips to Help You Get to Sleep

Insomnia remedies you've probably already tried but are still worth trying again.

●  See a Doctor

   Insomnia can be a symptom of physical disorders, although for most of us 

   it's the result of tension, stress and anxiety—and of course the more 

   anxious we get about our insomnia, the worse it gets. If your doctor 

   pronounces you a "healthy" insomniac, he might suggest some of the 

   techniques provided here. Or she might prescribe drugs to help you get to 

   sleep.

   We suggest you try all these methods first, and use drugs only as a last 

   resort. The decision, of course, is yours.

●  Take a Warm Bath

   It's a great way to relax your body. Don't overdo it, however. You merely 

   want to relax your body, not exhaust it. Too long in hot water and your body 

   is drained of vitality.

   Use bath salts, or throw in Epsom salts and baking soda—one cup of each. 

   These will relax you and also help remove toxins from your body.

●  Get a Massage

   Have your spouse (or whoever) give you a massage just before going to 

   sleep. If you can convince them to give you a full body massage, great. If 

   not, even a short backrub and/or a face and scalp massage can be a big 

   help. Have them make the massage strokes slow, gentle, yet firm, to work 

   the tension out of your muscles and soothe you to sleep.

●  Listen to Music or Other Audio

   Play some soft, soothing music that will lull you to sleep. There are many 

   CDs designed for that very purpose. Some are specially composed music, 

   others simply have sounds of waves rhythmically breaking, or the steady 

   pattern of a heartbeat. Some will lead you to sleep with a combination of 

   music, voice and other soothing sounds.

Headphones recommended ●  Drink Warm Milk     A glass of warm milk 15 minutes before going to bed will soothe your      nervous system. Milk contains calcium, which works directly on jagged      nerves to make them (and you) relax. ●  Drink Herb Tea     If you don't like milk—or are avoiding dairy products—try a cup of hot      camomile, catnip, anise or fennel tea. All contain natural ingredients      which will help you sleep.      Most health food stores will also have special blends of herb tea      designed to soothe you and help you get to sleep. You can also try the followings : ●  Eat a Bedtime Snack ●  Avoid Caffeine, Alcohol and Tobacco ●  Sleep in a Well-Ventilated Room ●  Sleep on a Good Firm Bed ●  Sleep on Your Back ●  Get Some Physical Exercise During the Day ●  Keep Regular Bedtime Hours ●  If You Can't Sleep, Get Up ●  Don't Sleep In ●  Get Up Earlier in the Morning ●  Keep Your Bed a Place for Sleep ●  Avoid Naps ●  Avoid Illuminated Bedroom Clocks ●  Counting Sheep ●  Sleep With Your Head Facing North ●  Don't Watch TV or Read Before Going to Bed ●  Toe Wiggling ●  Stomach Rub ●  Deep Breathing ●  Visualize Something Peaceful ●  Visualize Something Boring ●  Imagine It's Time to Get Up ●  Quiet Ears ●  Yawning ●  Backwards Counting / Mental Computer Good luck and have a pleasant sleep! Source : http://www.well.com/~mick/insomnia/