If you can not sleep at night and find yourself tossing and turning - how do you finally get to sleep?

My answer to the question: If you can not sleep at night and find yourself tossing and turning - how do you finally get to sleep? would be the herb Valerian (Valeriana officinalis). I always keep a supply of... keep reading →

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... keep reading →

Yes, valerian herb is greatly helpful for sound sleep/relaxation. So are hops and passionflower, which can be helpful also, and are sometimes found in combination preparations with valerian. Another needed... keep reading →

Insomnia is incredibly disturbing and distressing -- you have my complete sympathy.

A few ideas....

First, do not stay in bed if you are tossing and turning. Get out of bed and sit, read, and go back to bed when you feel like you cannot stay awake. There is nothing more frustrating than lying in bed awake.

Second, get sun on your face for 20 minutes between breakfast and lunch, taking precautions like sunscreen. This resets your biological clock (the superchiasmatic nucleus).

Third, exercise between lunch and dinner, even if this means walking around the office, or up and down some steps.

Fourth, avoid sugary foods and drinks, caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine after dinner.

Fifth, shower before bed. This can be relaxing and also, as your body cools it can become easier to sleep.

Sixth, any behavior change (like those mentioned above) is a six week project. Patience is difficult when you are sleep deprived, I know, but give it time.

Good Luck!