One of the best known exercises for falling sleep is counting sheep. It is very common in some cultures and people, who practise that, visualize an endless series of identical white sheep jumping over a fence, while counting them. But this is not the only trick and it does not solve the trouble falling asleep for some people, for that reason experts advise to try some of these tips when you are in bed.
- Breathing exercise: Notice your breathing with your eyes closed. Turn all your attention to your natural breathing, feeling how the air enters and leave through your mouth. Visualize the flow of air as it passes and reaches various sites of your body.
- Guided imagery: Close your eyes and relax in a comfortable position in bed. Begin to visualize a scene, memory, or story that you find calming. For example: a favourite vacation or calming outdoor spot, a relaxing activity like curling up with a book in your favourite chair, or something repetitive like remembering the steps of an exercise or dance routine. The key is to find something that allows you to focus your attention and let go of other thoughts.
- Try Acupressure: Acupressure is an ancient therapy that involves finger placement and pressure over specific points on the body. The Huffington Post quoted to Leigh Gilkey and Siri Michel, acupuncturists and founders of Essential Acupuncture in Chicago, who affirm that self-administered acupressure before bed can promote a restful night of uninterrupted sleep and, in the event of an unwanted night-time awakening, can help get you back to sleep. The points to treat insomnia include: Anmian, located behind the ear. Behind the ear is a bone called the mastoid process. Place your finger on the mastoid process and slide back off the bone and slightly upwards. Look for a little depression and press in a downward motion. Liver 3, located on the top of the foot. Place a finger between the first toe and the second toe and push toward your ankle. There is a depression before the junction of the first and second metatarsal bones. Simply pressing on it or pulling in a downward motion is great for activating this point.
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