• Question: it takes me ages to get to sleep at night! It really anoys me and im really tires at school the next day and i have massive bags under my eyes! how can i sleep!

    Asked by hollynsarah to Gioia, Iain, Jo, Leo, Mariam on 20 Jun 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Gioia Cherubini

      Gioia Cherubini answered on 15 Jun 2010:

      Hi hollynsarah,

      you know, I used to have the same problem when I was your age and sometimes I still do! My strategy is always to leave something to read close to the bed, so if I am awake I read instead of keep thinking that I am annoyed because I can’t fall asleep! Reading helps me relaxing and usually I fall asleep after only 2 pages. Another thing that I do, if I am a bit stressed, is having a nice camomile and I switch off the computer at least one hour before I go to bed (otherwise I get headache and nightmares!) Hope it works for you as well, let me know!

    • Photo: Joanna Watson

      Joanna Watson answered on 15 Jun 2010:

      If I have trouble sleeping then I read a book, or put on some nice calm music to try to relax. Some people find that doing exercise an hour or some before they go to bed helps, but that keeps me awake.
      There are lots of things that you could try and I hope you find the one that works for you.

    • Photo: Mariam Orme

      Mariam Orme answered on 18 Jun 2010:

      Oh dear, poor you. I sometimes have trouble sleeping, but mostly I’m lucky and I’m out like a light when I go to bed.

      Here are a few things that could help:
      – make sure you get a bit of exercise during the day, so that your body is tired (but not too soon before going to bed)
      – drink a warm milky drink just before going to bed
      – try not to worry about things when you’re lying in bed… instead, try to force your brain to do something repetitive, like counting imaginary sheep jumping over a fence, or imagine that you’re somewhere calm (sometimes if I can’t sleep I try to imagine that I’m flying above a forest, and it’s all quiet and still: sounds a bit strange, but it really helps me sleep!).
      – read a book… but if it’s too good a book you might stay up all night reading!

    • Photo: Leo Garcia

      Leo Garcia answered on 20 Jun 2010:

      Try getting more exersize, consuming less sugar and caffeine, and maybe going for a walk before bed. Also try avoiding TV just before bed – perhaps read or listen to relaxing music.

      I also like Ovaltine, as some people say it helps you sleep – I just think it’s tasty!

      You could also try clearing your mind before you sleep by, without wanting to sound all new-agey, meditating, particularly if you find you can’t sleep due to stress.

      Periods of insomnia happen to everyone – but there are some things you can do to help, and I hope that you get a good night’s sleep!

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