How to Handle Insomnia Right Now

If you can't get to sleep and you have a big commitment the next day, you need solutions, and you need them now. You can't delay. What’s an insomniac to do?

Try getting up and doing something for a bit. Much as you may want to lie there and hope you’re going to fall asleep, you’ll be better off if you actually get up, do something, and try going back to bed in a little bit. Think of going to sleep as landing a plane; you missed the run way the first time, so you need to circle around and try to bring it in for a landing nice and smooth this time. Your body has a window of time in which it is used to falling asleep; if you are off and miss that window, you may have to get up, do your bedtime routine again, and then try to fall asleep.

Drink some warm milk. Many insomniacs find drinking warm milk really does help them fall asleep. If you don't like warm milk, brew up some decaffeinated tea; Valerian tea will make you drowsy, and Chamomile will relax you.

Do something relaxing and boring. Dim the lights, and think of something that will make you get drowsy. Resist the temptation to watch movies, surf the web, or use electronics because the stimulation will prevent you from falling asleep. Instead try something like meditation, knitting, or reading a light magazine.

Come up with a plan. If anxiety is at the root of your insomnia, try writing out a plan regarding the issue. Write long hand, and whatever you do, don’t send an email to anyone about the issue.

When you're done, try going back to bed and see if you can fall asleep this time. Sweet dreams!