How to Fall Asleep Peacefully When Your Brain Has Other Plans

As I am laying in my bed, I snuggle in the soft sheets, warm blanket and fluffy pillow, ready to fall asleep to a long uninterrupted slumber. I have been looking forward to this moment all day. Just envisioning my bed and the reward of sleep.

Unfortunately, my mind has other plans…

It is trying to hijack my calm feeling and desire for quiet sleep. It decides that this is a good time, to go on a tangent about the time in first grade when the teacher yelled at me and told me I shouldn’t do something. Next stop, did I forget to do that important task at work, then on to why did I say that thing to that person.

This becomes exhausting, and I’m not able to stop the train that is racing through my bedroom. So many stops without a purpose.

Illustrated by Edwina Seselja.
Source: https://www.abc.net.au/life/why-we-get-negative-thoughts-before-bed/10581594

How To Fall Asleep Better

There are two main ways I suggest to combat this takeover of the brain. These two methods, are helpful because they help you take control over your mind and what you will think about. This helps calm your brain.

1. Pick up a book: One way I help myself go to sleep is to read until my eyes become heavy and I almost drop the book. There are times that the following night, I don’t know what I was reading and have to go back two pages to catch up.
2. Go to your happy place: The second way that you can take control over your mind to calm down, in order to fall asleep peacefully, is to find something to think about that brings you calmness. This could be a favorite memory of a place, a vacation, or planning a happy event.

My Happy Place

I always use the same memory to help me fall asleep. My grandmother lived in Maine on a mountain near the ocean, and it was my favorite place from my childhood. Her house was a place that brought me comfort, love, and peace. When I think about it now, I always start by walking in the side door of the kitchen, which was a sliding glass door. I have a vivid memory of her telling me and my brother not to bang on the screen door, as it could break. I can smell the kitchen, the toast, orange juice, and milk from the local dairy that was so rich and delicious. For some reason, toast just doesn’t smell the same in my own kitchen. I can remember the furnishings, the knick knacks, and the china pattern on her plates. Outside, more than likely there was fog, that would lift as the day wore on, exposing the view of the beautiful water. The air would smell salty, but also earthy as the dirt was slightly wet from the dew. Usually I fall asleep before I’m able to imagine going up the steep staircase to the second floor.

I used to love visiting my grandmother’s house when I was young. This is me holding her cat Amber. Her house was a place that brought me comfort, love, and peace.

Instead of my brain taking me hostage and robbing me of good sleep, I take control and tell my mind what to think about, focusing on the 5 senses that are associated with it, to help immerse my self in the memory.

Of course, it always helps to maintain good sleep hygiene. Your surroundings should be comfortable, and lend to an ambient space. Think about your pillows, linens, lighting, and the temperature of the room.

Sleeping is one of the most important elements of our day. I hope that these tips will help in obtaining a peaceful and restful slumber.