Falling asleep quickly

It's 2AM in the morning and you want to fall asleep but just can't seem to. You toss and turn on your bed but the harder you try, the more awake you seem to become. You've tried everything you can think of and still can't get that rest you so desperately need.

Sounds familiar? Everyone has, at some point in their lives, experienced insomnia. Maybe it's the night before a test, an important business meeting or a job interview. And we all know how frustrating it can be - feeling exhausted and irritated the following day.

Here are some ways to help you fall asleep quickly.

• Medication - I would normally not recommend this as it is not a natural way to fall asleep and thus not good for the body in the long term. Taking sleeping pills can be habit-forming, you build up tolerance quickly and stronger ones leave you sleepy the next morning. However, I have to admit that sleeping pills are one surefire way for you to fall asleep. If all else has failed, then you can use this as a last resort. An exception to this would be Melatonin, which is actually produced by the body naturally as well and is a safe sleep aid you may want to try.
  
• Aromatherapy - I have yet to try this but I've heard that it can produce some good results. Lavender and jasmine essential oils can induce relaxation and a state of restfulness which can aid in falling asleep.
• Music - Listening to soft music can help you to relax and fall asleep. I find classical music to be very relaxing. Don't use headphones as they are unsafe while sleeping, instead, turn on the radio or cd player and tune in to soft, relaxing music.
• Visualization - Picture in your mind a beautiful scenery or landscape. Perhaps a cool, lush waterfall from the amazon rainforests. Or a spectacular breathtaking view of the rockies. Whatever it is, try to make it as vibrant as you can. This can be exhausting mentally and you should soon fall asleep. Contrary to the popular belief, counting sheep doesn't really seem to help much.

Of course, your greatest enemy is frustration. The more worked up you get, the harder it is to fall asleep.

So if you still can't fall asleep, get up from your bed, go to the kitchen and make a glass of warm milk, then get a book and start reading for about 15 minutes. When you begin to feel more relaxed again, you can try to go to sleep again.