I read in a James Bond novel a tip for falling asleep and it has worked for me. Its really simple. Ian Fleming wrote about James Bond and how disciplined he was. The James Bond in the novels isn't quite as much of a poser as the James Bond in the movies.

Bond, who had barely survived a terrible day, managed to get to a safe place and needed to get to sleep fast because his survival depended on being able to function the next day. "He directed his mind toward the tunnel of sleep."

I thought this was pretty looney, but then I couldn't sleep one night and tried it. Before I new it I was waking up from a good night's sleep. I think if we tell our mind to do something, it does it.

I know when your mind is full of stuff it makes you toss and turn and it can go on and on. But you don't need to be mulling things over and fretting about them, because you're safe in bed and the only task facing you there is to go to sleep. Its illogical to stay up worrying.

I find when I'm having trouble falling asleep I roll over, get comfortable, flip the pillow, (nothing is cooler than the cool side of the pillow), and remember how many times I have successfully "directed" my mind "toward the tunnel of sleep."

Try it tonight. You've got nothing to lose. Be disciplined, shut off all thoughts but the one about a good night's sleep, enjoy the cool side of the pillow, and direct your mind toward the tunnel of sleep.

Don't tell yourself it won't work because your mind will do what you tell it, and then it won't work.

This is a tunnel near my house. The railroad blasted it through solid rock so the stream could go under Fort Hill instead of under the railroad tracks. My friends ride their 4 wheelers through there when the water isn't too high.

As long as you're picturing a "Tunnel of Sleep", you can use a real tunnel. That's the North Branch of the Potomac River on the other side, full of trout and smallmouth. On the other side of the river is a horse farm. Lots of green meadows and rolling hills... Sweet dreams!

Now I'm yawning. Goodnight!