Ideas for those sleepless nights

Here are some great ideas for when sleep eludes you . . . preventative but also for when it strikes at 3 a.m., like me right now :-0

*Play some relaxing music.

*Take a warm bath.

*Do relaxing things an hour before bedtime to get your mind ready to take a break.

*Visualize that happy, peaceful spot you would love to go visit.  Really get into it.  What does it feel like? Smell like?

(That is Grand Marias, Michigan, by the way)

*Get a massage.

*Do guided relaxation. Download an app for that or look on google. You could try this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOFxVMlnNdw  or record your own voice or that of a loved one guiding you.  Here are some ideas of what you might say. http://www.well.com/~mick/insomnia/insomnia.17.html

*Start at one end of your body and concentrate on relaxing each muscle.  Tighten it, then release.

*Visualize yourself sinking into pillows.

*None of this is working?  Go ahead and get out of bed and do something for a little while.  It does not help you sleep to worry about not sleeping.

*Drink warm milk or camomille tea (chamomile is calming. Pick a tea with no caffeine, obviously.)

*Take deep breaths.  With each breath, breathe in peace and breath out tension and worry.

*Pray. Really tell God what is going on in your life and listen for his peace speaking to your heart.

*Pray to get God's perspective on what is going on in your life. We don't understand it all, so give it back to the Lord if you need to do that.  He does understand it all.

Mosiah 4:19

Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.

*Let it go. Whatever it is you are worrying about. Here is one of my favorite scriptures about that:

Doctrine and Covenants 101:16

Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God. (see also Psalm 46:10)

*Let go of worry about not getting enough sleep. Once in awhile insomnia is no big deal. Is it habitual? Talk to your doctor about it. It may be a sign of a bigger problem.

*Avoid naps, don't sleep in and get exercise or physical activity during the day.

*Lay off chocolate for awhile.  Tough one, I know. 

*Watch Mormon Messages or Bible Videos. When we are touched by the Spirit, peace and sleep may come easier. That is, unless God is trying to get your attention. Then go and see what the Lord has to say. Answer like Samuel as recorded in the Old Testament, 

"Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth."              Samuel 3:1-19

Then sleep, because God needs you to get up and get to work :-)

I hope this helps!  Happy dreamland to you.