When I couldn't shut my mind off I found using a small portable battery radio with ear pieces worked wonders. turn on to a music station and I'm asleep very quickly. We have a classical music station I listen to, turn the volume very low and I'm in sleep land in a hurry.

Many years ago I decided I had to do something about not getting enough sleep. I bought a book on self hypnosis and learned a wonderful technique for turning off my brain and body. It involves concentrating and relaxing each part of the body while counting from 10 to 1. Now when I need to sleep all I do is begin the count down. I usually do not get past 8 before being fast asleep and don't wake until the alarm sounds.
Judy

I need my sleep but sometimes my brain goes into over drive and won't let me sleep at all. most frustrating. i tend to take 2 to 4 hours to get to sleep as it is.

does your hubby have RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME? I do and there is meds for it. I do find myself picturing so many quilts, projects and crafts in my head instead of sleeping. I am going to try the audio books

I am another one who is sleep challenged. If it's not pain (FM & OA), it's that I can't 'turn my mind off'. Makes for a very long next day. :oops:

I aree with all of you. Menopause did it for me and nothing seems to help. I think I am doomed. However, quilting at 4:00 AM is fun when the house is nice and quiet!

Has anyone tried Melatonin? I use it every night and I seem to get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer. I use the 5 mg. tablets.

I have always had a falling asleep problem. Took sleeping pills, worked for awhile then wide awake. A friend told me about natural Melatonin super snooze and it really works. Hope this may help you other nite owls. Happy to hear I'm not alone.

I find that when I really can't sleep it's because I am stressing about something that affects me or my immediate family.

After laying awake for a long time, I get out my prayer list and start praying for everyone on it. It's amazing how concentrating on other's woes takes your mind off your own!

Next thing I know, it's morning!

I tried melatonin but developed vivid nightmares on it. Have heard that people with an actual melatonin deficiency do well with it, but apparently that's not what is associated with my sleep problems.

The audiobooks provide, I think, a sort of "white noise" that puts my brain to sleep.