3 Ways To Fall Asleep Faster | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health Wellness

3 Techniques You Can Use To Fall Asleep Faster

There are hundreds of ways to combat restlessness. This is what works for me.

176
3 Techniques You Can Use To Fall Asleep Faster
Shaw AF Base

There's little more frustrating than not being able to fall asleep. And, besides obvious culprits like caffeine and stress, it can be hard to determine what's keeping you up all waking hours. Fortunately, there are hundreds of tips and techniques for falling asleep. Here's what works for me; hopefully it can help you too!

1. Control Your Environment

CLS Research Office

Your surroundings play a big role in how well you fall and stay asleep. If you can, try not to sleep in the same area you occupy in your day-to-day activities and work. Having a dedicated room for sleep strengthens the mental connection between that room and sleep, so simply being in the room makes it easier to sleep. If you don't need it for the next technique, it's a great idea to leave your phone out of reach when you go to sleep, so you're not tempted to waste precious time browsing memes or incessantly checking the time. If you need to be on your phone or computer before bed, try a warm light filter for your screens. Blue light hurts your eyes and suppresses melatonin, making it harder to sleep. Newer Windows 10 PCs, Android phones and iPhones all have this feature built-in—all you have to do is turn it on. If you want more options, download f.lux.

Temperature can be an imperceptible sleep killer. Nine times out of ten, if I can't fall asleep and don't know why, it's because my room is too hot—but I only notice when I move to another room. If you can't get comfortable, try turning on a fan, shedding some blankets or moving to another room. If you're using flannel sheets, try switching to linen for better breathability.

2. Listen to ASMR

Pixabay

ASMR is my number one way to fall asleep. It can take some getting used to depending on the content creators you watch, but there's plenty of not-weird ASMR out there for you to dip your toes in. My favorite ASMRtist, by far, is Goodnight Moon. Varied content, amazing makeup and set design, honest acting, and, most importantly, a soothing voice. Her Babblebrook series is a surefire way to lull me to sleep in fifteen minutes or so. Even if you don't get the tingles, ASMR is incredibly relaxing and destressing.

3. Meditate

Pixabay

Sometimes all you need to sleep is a clear mind, and the best way to clear your mind is through meditation. If you're new to meditation, you can try Headspace's 10-day beginner course that introduces you to breathing techniques, body positions, good and bad habits and though patterns conducive to meditation. I've only listened to three of the sessions, and already I feel like I can willingly clear my mind and relax with the few techniques I learned through the guided meditation.

Getting enough sleep is vital to mental, physical and emotional health. Maintaining healthy sleeping habits will make you more productive and happier. These are only a few of so many techniques you can try to fall asleep faster. Even something as simple as slowing your breathing can have an immense effect on sleep quality. You spend a third of your life asleep, so make the best of it!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

15070
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3051
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 14 Stages Of The Last Week Of Class

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1840
black marker on notebook

December... it's full of finals, due dates, Mariah Carey, and the holidays. It's the worst time of the year, but the best because after finals, you get to not think about classes for a month and catch up on all the sleep you lost throughout the semester. But what's worse than finals week is the last week of classes, when all the due dates you've put off can no longer be put off anymore.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments