I can’t exactly remember when it all started, but for years now, I’ve had trouble falling asleep. There have been nights where I stayed awake for 24 hours straight without feeling the slightest bit sleepy, which I think played a part in my anemia. Not being able to sleep, especially when you’ve got important things to do the next day, is super frustrating. There were nights when I cried out of sheer frustration before just accepting that I wouldn’t be getting any sleep. Over time, though, I’ve come up with a few tricks to help me fall asleep. They don’t always work, but on some nights, they make a real difference.

5 Ways to Fall Asleep

1. Choose a Comfy Position and Stay Still

The first thing I do when I’m ready to sleep is find a comfortable position and stay still for a few minutes. I convince my body that it’s time to rest by resisting the urge to move, even if my legs start to itch or I feel the need to switch positions. This trick often helps signal my brain that my body is resting, and it should too.

2. Count Backwards from 100

If I still can’t sleep, I start counting backwards from 100 to 1. Most of the time, I don’t finish the count before drifting off. If it doesn’t work the first time, I go another round. This repetitive activity can sometimes lull my mind into a state of relaxation conducive to sleep.

3. Let Your Imagination Flow

Sometimes, when we close our eyes, our imaginations start to run wild, much like a dream. I let this imagination flow until I fall asleep. If I don’t see anything, I try to create scenarios in my mind, but I make sure not to control them too much, as it might keep me wide awake. When my mind starts to wander on its own, it often means my brain is preparing for sleep (or at least that’s what I think).

4. Listen to Music or Call Someone

If I’m still awake by midnight, I ask my boyfriend to call me. I’m not sure why, but when we’re on a call, I often fall asleep. We don’t talk; we just stay connected while sleeping. It might sound odd, but it helps me relax and drift off.

5. Tire Yourself Out

I’ve noticed that when I go to bed tired, I fall asleep almost instantly. This realization came after days spent at the mall or engaging in outdoor activities. Exercising can also help, although I sometimes end up taking a bath and waiting for my hair to dry, which diminishes the feeling of tiredness by bedtime.

These are just some of the methods I use to help me fall asleep. They’re not always effective, but they’ve certainly helped me on numerous occasions. If you have any suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments below. Let’s help each other achieve better sleep!