I really don't know what category this would go under. Okay lately, I can’t fall asleep until two, three, four in the morning, even when I don't have any big assignments that I am working on and I don’t even have major stress going on. I have been cranky lately because of this, so sorry if my posts lately have been pessimistic. I normally am optimistic. Anyways back to the subject, what do you do to occupy time when you can't sleep? I seem to not be able to find anything to do except stare at the ceiling when I can’t sleep because everyone else is asleep. I really could use some help with ways to fall asleep faster or what I can do when I can’t sleep. Thank you.

well my sister like to listen to music and it seems to work for them but me myself i cant say anything i never have a hard time going to sleep or my sister take a shower also and still listen to music and my other sister watches tv to fall asleep

I have had a long history of sleep problems, so you are talking to an expert.

I used to not be able to sleep in my bed, so I started sleeping on the couch. It worked. However, now I can't sleep on the couch and I sleep in my bed.Change the way or place you sleep if you can. Even try placing your pillow at the other end of the bed.

I also changed the design in my room so it is more cozy and warm. Therefore, when I walk into my room I am calmed down just looking at the room decor. I keep my room free of clutter, but filled with lots of designs. The colors should be relaxing and not excite you.

I also do stretching exercises if I can't fall asleep. Stretching helps because it is not extensive exercise. It relaxes the muscles which induces sleep. It also gives you a natural feeling of being tired from the exertion. I do leg stretches while laying on the floor. Sit ups are good to do also.

I don't like to read because it tires the eyes, so I keep my eyes closed as much as possible. You don't want to fall asleep while driving. That almost happened to me, so I always keep the radio on just in case.

There are millions of little things that can affect your sleep. I used to have insomnia when I was younger, but haven't had any serious problems in years. I am not a big fan of medication, especially for things like this, because there are so many other things you can try like what Katz Palace mentioned above.

One thing that always helped me was listening to music. I would just keep the radio on all night, kind of quiet, and that way little noises would not distract me.

Are you getting enough exercise? Stretching IS a good idea. Yoga is always good and also fitting a walk or a run into your day will help.

Are you eating the right foods? Too much sugar or caffeine will affect your sleep. Stress? Health problems? All of these should be considered. Also you should avoid going to bed if you are not tired. Physically trying to sleep makes it next to impossible.

Good luck!

I am sleeping problem too! It's horrible because I have a lot of 8am classes.

What sometimes have worked for me is to go into another room and just sit there for a while. Then go back to your bedroom and it'll be easier to fall asleep. Sometimes I go to the kitchen and get a glass of water and sit there and think.

But what had been working for me lately is working out at night. If you work out hard at night, you get so sleepy when you are showering with hot water. So by the time you decide to go to sleep, you are already there. It's a very nice feeling.

Chamomile tea! it is the best! Read a book always puts me to sleep! Well after awhile i like to read! But the tea will help. mediate thats helps also

I dislike trying to go to sleep until I am able. On nights where I have to wake up early for work I do tend to lay in bed and toss and turn for a bit, but since the day pretty much tuckered me out then I get to sleep pretty easily. On the weekends I tend to watch TV until I am tired because I don't like the thought of laying in bed all alone at night. I may be a tiny bit scared of the dark. So either I watch TV or do something on the computer. During Spring Break it seems like I have been getting tired pretty quickly so I end up falling asleep on the couch.

That bad thing about falling asleep with the TV or radio on is that you don't get a good nights sleep. Your brain is still working to process information and so you can't completely let go. I only do that on the weekend though when I can still take a nap during the day.

I just don't force myself to sleep when I don't have to. I used to NOT be able to sleep after drinking a lot of caffeine, but now I think since I have so much going on that it does nothing for me and it knocks me out once I hit the pillow. That is how I see it. Ultimately I don't like laying there alone in bed in an empty house, so I don't go to sleep until I know I will be able to sleep right away.

I am sure reading something boring will help. The "Empire of Wealth" book helped me when I had it on my bedside table. Opened up the book, read a few sentences and I was out.

Thank you, everyone for the advice. I will try not to drink caffine or have too much sugar before bed. Also, I am now going to rearrange my room tomorrow. I will also try stretching before bed... I think I will try every one's ideas, thank you guys soo much.

I like to read before bed, unlike listening to music or watching tv I'm actually processing some useful information and it's relaxing.

I can do without it, but white noise (fans, humidifiers) also seem to do the trick.

im insomnic also and when i cant fall asleep i just listen to music or i write in my diary... kinda help me get my thoughts together and make plans for tomorrow... and music is just my soul sister so every time i need somebody to talk to i just talk to my music...