3 Unexpected Ways to Fall Asleep

Sometimes it may be difficult to fall asleep. For some it might even be a constant struggle that borders on the edge of insomnia. Maybe you’ve tried some conventional medicines to knock you out but that’s exactly what many do, knock you out so hard that when you wake you can feel groggy, foggy and off your game.

Natural News reports that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),

• About 4% of U.S. adults aged 20 and over used prescription sleep aids in the past month
• Forty-eight percent of Americans report insomnia occasionally, while 22 percent experience insomnia every or almost every night
• Side effects from sleep aids include: constipation, dizziness, stomach pain, balance struggles, burning or tingling in the hands, arms, feet, or legs, diarrhea and next day impairment

If you struggle with daily sleep issues or need an occasional fix to get you into REM (rapid eye movement aka deep sleep) then give these 3 unexpected ways to fall asleep a try. They are natural remedy approaches or easy atmosphere changes you may have never considered that could get you there for the essential sleep you crave.

4,7,8 Method

Best-selling author Dr. Andrew Weil came out with a method several years ago that has proven extremely helpful for the thousands that tried it and reported positive results. Weil alleged that by controlling your breath you can increase blood stream oxygen, expel more carbon dioxide and slow your heart rate all while helping with overall systemic relaxation.

Weill’s formula is (as reported by the Huffington Post):

• Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through the entire exercise
• Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound
• Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four
• Hold your breath for a count of seven
• Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight
• Repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths

Make Scents

The use of specific scents have been a go-to remedy for a variety of health issues over thousands of years. This application is called aromatherapy and when done right it could be an excellent sleep fix or adjunct to other sleep fixes. Essential oils are found in health food stores and are sold in many other locations as plug-in/battery powered infusers or stand-alone “stick” aroma release bottles.

Simply set up one of these devices in your bedroom or lightly spray an essential oil on your pillows and sheets. If you don’t have spray capability, gently dab a small amount of the oil on your earlobes, temples, third eye (center space between eyes), neck and inner wrists before bed. Be careful not to get in your eyes.

The best essential oils for sleep are: lavender, jasmine, bergamot, Ylang Ylang, clary sage and vanilla.

Set It Up Right

With a third of your life spent sleeping it is recommended that you put some significant effort into setting up your sleep space. Too many people take for granted this essential part of health and neglect the necessary, simple steps to take advantage of a good night’s sleep.

First off, make sure your room is as dark as possible. The moonlight may be nice but if your body detects light it could reduce its production of melatonin, the crucial hormone that promotes sleep once surrounding light is reduced. Try blackout shades which work great at eliminating any brightness that may creep into your space.

Use weighted blankets. Having the security of a gentle weight surrounding your body signals the brain that you are in a safe place and not vulnerable to outside threats. It has helped people with insomnia, sleepwalking and restless leg syndrome.

Check the temperature. According to The National Sleep Foundation a temperature of 60 to 67 degrees F offers the most sleep-friendly conditions.

Nix the electronics. Having a television in your bedroom or retiring with a laptop or phone can not only affect melatonin production but it could easily rev up your brain rather than slow it down for slumber. Keep the electronics out of your lair and you won’t be tempted to plug-in.

These 3 unexpected ways to fall asleep might help you get to counting sheep sooner than later. These are simple fixes to remind just how important it is to put as much effort into your slumber as you might put into less essential things. It is a priority worth paying attention to so your body can recharge, reboot and rejuvenate to hit the ground running rather than crawling when you wake.